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Comments
they are just up the street too from the Volvo dealer, and I haven't seen the new S60 yet. And that is 2 doors down from a jeep dealer with an interesting 2002 M5.
road trip!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There are many high priced inferior products that people buy and buy a lot of simply because of the name on them. People on Madison Ave make millions on that premise.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Is there any truth to the rumor that the textbook companies are actually owned by the US drug manufacturers using different names? When I look at the over pricing it sure seems that way.
I think I remember buying a math book for $12 when I was in college.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I still have my copy of a relativity textbook I bought new as an undergraduate - for $8!
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
WHAT?! You must have written over 100 posts urging me to test drive a GLK; and you haven't even seen one yourself?! Good Golly, Miss Molly! Give me oxygen! Will wonders never cease to amaze me? I'll get back with you tomorrow. I've got to try to wrap my brain around your post. :confuse: :confuse:
You may as well recommend a Town Car. You haven't looked in one of those either. :surprise:
Richard
"Actually, I haven't looked in one either."
OMG. You're too much! :sick:
You could at least ask him to test drive the Q5. Sticking to your convictions is admirable, but you take it way too far. :lemon:
Richard, I feel your pain.
See if this twists your arm.
We had a Volvo. My wife took it in for service, so she walked across to the dealer next door to just "look" at the Mercedes. They were really out of our price range, but that didn't stop her. She took a test drive and she said, it is so different from anything I have ever driven, I would rather have a used Mercedes than any other new car.
We did look at used ones and came close to buying. Fortunately, the 1999s came out, and Mercedes introduced the new much lower priced C Models.
If you knew how much we were earning at that time you would have thought we were crazy getting the 99 C Class, but we decided we would keep it for 10 years if we had to.
MBs are solid (like a vault) and more luxurious, but we have BMWs because you can't get 6 speed manuals with MB.
One Audi salesman explained Audi falls in the middle, handling is between BMW and MB, but luxury is also between the two. Audi's are equally enjoyable to drive, and the 4 cylinder manual with the turbo charger is a blast.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yes but, everything in it has probably been proven wrong since then!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I can only say, we have BMWs because we like the way they perform, we like the European design (though some people don't get it), we like the fact they have always built cars with all the safety features (don't take short cuts by putting gas tanks where they could explode) and we like having manual transmissions. If we could buy a car that feels the same, and performs the same, had styling we like, has the comfort, etc., and if it was a Sears MotoMaster name on it, we wouldn't care.
I guess there are people who buy cars because it gives them a certain image. Cadillac and Lincoln used to be like that. I can only speak for myself, but, that doesn't make any sense to me.
I think that if a car does exude a certain image, it has to also be a good car or it wouldn't obtain that image. You can't just put a luxury price on a regular car, and think people will buy them....except if it is an MKZ I suppose.
But really, to be legendary, a car has to have the right stuff or people aren't going to buy it....and it won't become legendary if it isn't special.
One more thought. I own 2 Polo shirts that cost about $12 each and the only other designer things I have were gifts from my wife....a BMW jacket and a designer watch. They weren't for show, they were bought because everything I own is so ptactical it is hard to find something special.
If designer stuff was so important to me, I would have it all over the place. I really can't think of any designer item my wife has. The designer name is meaningless, unless it is an item we really need, and if the quality and workmanship really make it worthwhile. We could have bought knock off Gucci purses in China for $6 that would be $400 if they were real, or knock off Rolex watches for $5 instead of $2000......if the name meant so much we would have bought them.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
burner.....the whole "we'll let you test drive our car if you leave us a deposit" has only been pulled on me a couple of times. One was on a Nissan "Z" car I was considering several years ago. I walked away from that Nissan dealership just as quickly.
The Ford dealer who wanted that for the SHO is a notorious "grinder" type of dealership, where they want to keep you at the dealership as long as they can to extract as much as they can. It's one of several dealerships under the Kerry name.
Maybe some people actually do give them a deposit. I can't imagine why but perhaps since they ask for the deposit to begin with. In my estimation, they probaby lose more potential customers than they gain by trying that tactic. Plus, the liklihood of me walking into their dealership after that is practically "nill".
As you say, it's not a Lambo. It's a Taurus fer cryin' out lound.
Richard, I don't know if you're agonizing over your SUV decision or not. I rule out different models and brands as I go through my check list of vehilces I may or may not be interested in.
I may have missed a few posts, but it sounded like you had whittled your list to an Explorer, or a Jeep GC. Right?
I grew up in a time of relationship selling. I'm afraid that time has for the most part, ended. Brick and morter businesses will continue to shut down and profit margins will continue to dwindle.
Even air travel and hotels are affected as the various internet sources scream...WE ARE THE CHEAPEST! It's all about PRICE now.
People wonder why the airlines charge for luggage and no longer serve meals.
I just don't like the way things are going.
We can usually tell immediatly when we get a "non serious" joyrider and once this happesn, we have to be nice, polite nad just hope they leave quickly so we can take our chances with a serious shopper.
And, of course, these joyriders are attracted to certain types of cars.
S-2000's were a huge joyrider magnet.
Back in the early '80s my girlfriend(now wife) was considering an Accord coupe. We stopped at one dealer in Cincy(can't remember which one) and they wanted a deposit to take an offer to the Sales Manager.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
It's a way to weed out the non serious.
I didn't ask for deposits but I would say..." Now, if I can get my Sales Manager to accept this offer, will you drive the car home today?"
If they wafffled, I knew I didn't have a commitment.
They tested the MB GLK, the BMW X3, the Cadillac SRX, the Chevrolet Equinox, and the Audi Q5. Last Friday, they decided on the Cadillac SRX and told the salesman that they would be in today to select color choices, make a deposit, and place the order. They then went to their beach house for the long weekend. On Saturday, they happened to drive by a dealership which sold a brand that they had never considered.
Our friends pulled into the dealership just to look at this crossover. They were greeted by a pleasant and knowledgeable salesman who invited them to test drive the car. Both husband and wife were very impressed with the ride---not too rough, but not too floaty. The seating was very comfortable with lots of leg room in the front and back. The leather was an excellent quality and the trims were rich looking---nothing cheap looking throughout the car. Cargo space was larger than any crossover that they had tested. Many options came as standard on this vehicle. They sat down with the salesman to build exactly what they wanted in this type of car...black exterior with ivory interior, nav, Bluetooth, power this and power that. When the total price was revealed to them, they were surprised. It was less than any of the others that they had tested. To top it all off, the salesman told them that he had the exact car sitting in the back. It had just come in on Friday but had not been prepped.
Our friends told the salesman that they were going to have lunch and discuss the matter. He said fine. During lunch, our friends took their laptop and researched the car. It was Motor Trend's top choice for the last two years. It is U.S. News and World Report's top choice for 2010. Edmunds also gave it a nice review. With this knowledge in hand, our friends returned to the dealer. A nice deal was struck on the purchase and the trade---no pressure and no gimmicks. Our friends drove home yesterday in their proud purchase.
What was the brand? It was a Subaru Outback.
Richard
I was going to post about that but I hoped that you would have caught this too because it would have meant more coming from you. I didn’t want Mr. BMW Feel of the Road/Safety Man to think we were ganging-up on him.
You may as well recommend a Town Car. You haven't looked in one of those either.
You are really in trouble now (with how you think) because I was also thinking along those lines. :surprise:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Now that you mention it, it sounds like a perfect fit for you. Maybe not quite big and bargy enough though... Since you seem to like Suburban size boats.
Just get the 3.0 model. much better performance, and more relaxed.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Then they "happened" to drive by a dealership which sold a brand they had never considered.
Right.
They lied. Their word means nothing.
And people wonder why I retired early.
They did not have a contract signed on a caddy. They had not had the dealer do anything for them (like truck in a unit on a swap).
In this case, do you honestly think they should have told the subaru guy no thanks, even though this is much better for us, we told a caddy salesman we had decided on an SRX, so we have to go drop 40K on one of those instead?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
They were ALL over the board but they landed on the Caddy and told the salesperson they would be in to buy it.
I dunno...not the way I do things. When I tell someone I'm going to do something, I do it.
I left and went to one of the other dealers. The salesman called me, interrupted me, at work two days later. The secretary had put him through thinking it was important. He wanted to know if I was interested in trading cars. I asked him what-the-XE%% he thought I was there for on Monday night. And I told him I ordered the car I wanted on Tuesday. And I hung up on the fool.
Hey, I just realized I added a sales story to this thread helping ease the drought of sales stories!
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
That is just plain NUTS!
Richard
Richard
I had bought a '77 Cutlass there 3 years earlier and that salesman had moved to a Datsun deal with the family name on the sign. When I had called him at the Datsun store, he suggested this salesman at the Olds place.
Salesman wanted me to sign a blank contract.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
So.
On Memorial Day I am getting ready for a referral client to come back at schedule time - 3 PM to finalize paperwork and take delivery of a car he test-drove the day before. At 2:50 I go to the restroom, wash my hands and step out to the door to wait and greet my client. I notice a guy standing in a middle of the showroom, clearly waiting for something to happen. I ask him: "Have you been helped?" He replies: "No, I havent, I want to test-drive GTI, Jetta TDI and Audi A3 TDI" I start telling him that unfortunately all the salepeople are busy at this moment, and I wanted to let him know what I will find someone to help him as soon as possble, but he interrupts me, and tell me that this is the third time he's been here, and every tim we are too busy to help him. Also he was here before, but the saleperson gave him a lousy test-drive in Audi A5, and he ended up buying a BMW. without letting me respond he asks my name, shakes my hand and leaves.
Well, I have been doing this for a while, and I knew the type. An hour later, once I was done with my delivery, I go to Yelp.com and find this review:
If I could give this place a '0' star I would. My third visit and the same response. AS if it is an effort and too much work to speak to a customer and help them find the right car. Last year I went there and Jessie (bonehead numbskull ignoramus) showed me the S5 and let me take the car for a one-alley test drive after a huge effort to consider the idea...woohoo! Went straight to BMW and bought a brand new 2009 M3 convertible. Good intuition Jesse! Now, I am thinking of getting two practical cars for my wife and I because we are thinking of buying a house and planning a family. TWO cars I need. Went in and waited patiently looking around for about 20 minutes and then I came across Mikos (stoneface frowning too good for you blue tie wearing smartass) told me that they were currently too busy. No smile, no 'how are you doing, may I help you, let me get someone for you...NOTHING. Just a cold face and a bored stare. I told him this was my third time into the dealership and told him I actually wanted to look at both the VW TDi diesel plus the GTI for a practical alternative. 'I'm sorry, WE ARE BUSY'...this was after he came out of the bathroom wiping his nose. Unbelievable. I probably would have bought both cars today, yet now they sit on their lot. I refuse to ever return. I guess living in the city, there is no choice for Audi or VW. STAY AWAY, especially from Jesse and Mikos. I hope the manager reads this. Customers establish your sales base and determine viability of future satisfaction and dependability for repeat sales. Quality of an establishment is a reflection of the owner and the manager...therefore, this place sucks!
Next day I write this message through Yelp:
Hello Faisal,
I am the "stoneface frowning too good for you blue tie wearing smartass", and my name it Mico. When you asked my name yesterday I could have lied, because I knew exactly what you were going to do, but I have nothing to hide or to be ashamed of. I know that you feel that you are entitled to some other kind of service, but still I want to point out a couple of things:
1. You never let me finish, and I told you yesterday that I wanted to say that "we are very busy, but let me see if I can find someone to help you". But you had your own agenda, and you wanted to prove a point.
2. If you came in twice before, and both time we were busy, why didn't you call or email ahead to make sure that someone will help you? The person that came in two seconds after you had an appointment, he bought a car and was out withing one hour, very happy with his purchase.
3. Other than personal unsults - your only complaint is that we are busy on a Memorial Day weekend - don't you think that a complaint like that is a bit childish? What do you want us to do - turn other customers away just in case you might come in?
4. I personally have dozens of clients that are extremely satisfied with my service, they make appointments, I am ready for them, they come back and send their friends. I actually put together a few of their reviews on my own website: http://vwmico.com/2010...
So as I see it - you have two choices:
You can ignore my message, keep the review and never come back
Or:
You can let me know when you would like to come back and let me provide you with the same excellent service I give to all my clients, and then you can post a real review, based on real experience - good or bad.
You can call me at 415 335 6535.
Regards,
Mico
Also our owner sends him a message apologizing for the "bad experience", and asking for a chance to correct it. '
A day later the guy updates his review:
UPDATE - Audi Germany responded to my memo and will have Audi North America investigate the matter directly. Both the sales manager and Mico contacted me since this review to rectify the situation. In fact, Mico just called me 'childish' with an agenda and pointed to his glowing website of himself and told me I had 2 options...a salesperson 'telling' a customer what to do...Now Mico, have you learned nothing? At least the manager just apologized. Sorry RM Sales, as much as I want, I will take my business elsewhere. No incentive would change my mind, even in this economy.
Yes, I think that you did. The Grand Cherokee and the Town Car are now totally off the list. The current list is: Ford Explorer XLT (2011 new design), Tahoe (2010 or 2011), Ford Flex Limited (2010 or 2011), and the mystery car. I think that it will be one of those four. The size factor appears to be ruling the day. Thanks for asking and remembering.
Richard
Richard
The trouble is, anyone can go to a variety of sites and trash a store or the people who work there. You were lucky to be able to respond.
You notice how they ALWAYS say they went to another store and immediatly bought something else? And, of course, he was going to buy two cars. Don't they always?
I talked about this before somewhere but about three or four years ago, I got trashed by name on the Odyssey Club forum. I tried to respond nicely but they banned me immediatly so my side of the story remains untold.
They were the coldest, unfriendliest couple I had ever dealt with. They sprung a pig sty trade on me at the last minute and just were miserable to deal with for, of course, a nothing deal. Same people that will trash us on surveys.
It's right next to the "sanity clause". Oh wait, every adult knows there ain't no sanity clause. (appropriated from Chico Marx).
Gogiboy
Let's get this sorted out. You said you were interested in an SUV and you like a car with square lines. I suggested you "check out" a GLK because it will be a unique experience for you to test something a little different.
I stopped t an MB dealer today and looked at the interior of a GLK. It looks very comfortable, with nice thick seats. The interior is not flashy, but looks very smart in a very traditional way.
You are looking at buying a new car any way, so I think it is very legitament to bother a sales person and take an MB on a test drive...you might just buy it if you really liked it.....just like your friends did with the Suburu.
I don't have to drive it to know, it is going to be an incredible experience for you, to test drive a car that will handle so well, because it is a Mercedes. They probably won't require a deposit, my guess is they will treat you with great respect, and you will have a great driving experience.
I don't recommend cars, I might suggest trying something though. I think testing the MB will give you a wonderful story to cherish, and you will be able to tell your friends at home and on Edmunds all about it.
I would actually pay you $20 to tell me your thoughts...maybe even locate that d--- Dick and Jane book.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard - go for the Flex! I'm sure it's a love it or hate it design but I really like it.
This all, of course, depends on what the mystery car is.
This is great - you can have that Flex or take what's behind the curtain.... where is Monty Hall when you need him?
I'll make you a deal. I'll test drive the GLK and you test drive a Town Car. We'll give our honest opinions on both. I'm not going to buy the Town Car, but I want you to try it. I know that you have ridden in one, but you haven't driven one. Is this a fair deal---European vs. Domestic? Let's see what happens.
You are such a character, but I appreciate and respect your interest in people buying good automobiles. We'll never agree on cars, but Edmunds benefits by having a lot of posts from the two of us. (Tidester, no wise cracks.)
Richard
That is a truly aggravating experience and my sympathies are with you. Though I haven't sold cars, I have been in sales for over 30 years. I think one valuable lesson I have learned, that could save you time and energy as well as aggravation, is not to even try to reply to a moron like that so called customer was.
He isn't going to buy another make of car, just because he was inconvenienced by a salesperson. It is best to be brief, honest and factual, and not give him any ammunition to fire back.
How about, Sorry sir, I have a customer who has made an appointment in a few minutes. I would be glad to find you another sales person, or I will give you my undivided attention if you would like to set up an appointment.
If he still wrote a complaint to Yelp, then the sales managers response was OK, at least nothing for him to write back again.
The moment you start defending yourself, or criticizing him, the whole thing will escalate and he has to defend himself and he will get even more upset. You can't win in this situation. All you can do is try to let the guy cool off and not give him anything he can come back at you for.
Thanks for writing in......got any more good stories like that one. You have a flair for writing up a good story....are the names real?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I always love your posts! You could take the edge off a coiled rattlesnake.
Richard
If the Audi Q5 is better, why don't you suggest that I simply test drive that model
I was working on the GLK because it fit your criteria...it is an SUV and it is square. When the Q5 was mentioned, it looked like you were against buying a German car any way, and there would be even less chance of you trying a GLK if I brought another car into the mix. Also, the MB dealer was an hour away, and there are fewer Audi dealers around, so I thought that would add more problems.
why have you not suggested that I test drive the BMW X3?
I had an X3 and loved it - our daughter now has it. You said very early on, it was ugly. Also, it isn't square enough for you. The X3 was eliminated early on.
I'll make you a deal. I'll test drive the GLK and you test drive a Town Car.
That's an interesting challenge! I am willing to do it but you may have to give me some time. I would try to do it tomorrow or Thursday. We leave on a trip from Sunday until September 30th. If you are not in a rush to buy, or will trust me until sometime in October, I will give it my best shot. I won't put down a deposit though because I don't want to be stuck owning a big Lincoln Town Car that probably won't even fit into our oversize garage.
So, I'll gladly take the challenge if you will test a Q5, X3 or GLK and give us a review of what you find out. Of course, I will do the same with the Town Car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Why not, it has never stopped you before! (ha ha)
Please read my explanation a few posts back. To be brief, he wanted a squarely designed SUV. I know the GLK will be a unique driving experience...tighter than a vault, you won't feel an explosion under it, and the clunk of a closing door is as sold as a car can be...and it will have tremendous handling and steering.
I don't have to drive a Lamborgini or a Maserati to know that I'll enjoy driving it. I am taking a risk that almost every Mercedes is going to be a great driving experience. I did have a loaner M Class for a few days once, and it was the first year, and I didn't like it too much...I found I liked my X3 much more. But, I think they rushed that one out to get into the SUV market, and it was a disappointment.
But, I feel confident it would be hard to go back to a D3 if you try almost any MB.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Knowing you from here at Edmunds, I know you appreciate the BMW for how it is built and for its ride. I’m also equally sure that you can afford what you like but see below.
I guess there are people who buy cars because it gives them a certain image.
That is all some of us have been trying to point out to you and there are more of them than you think.
Don’t make me say this again. :mad:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
When I read about that challenge all I could think about was 'isell' biting his tongue off. :mad:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I asume they wouldn't waste the time of a straight commission based salesperson in a manner like that.
Richard
Go for it!
My friend has an MKZ, so that won't do. I think I will have to try one out. I have thought about how I am going to handle this, and was going to ask for some help in making a reason why I would drive in to a dealer with a 2008 BMW convertible with 25k miles, and I would be interested in looking at a Lincoln Town Car.
I have been in sales for a long time, and I do not want to waste someones time. I rationalize it myself by saying, that maybe I really will like the Town Car and I might actually buy one one day. I think it is easier for Richard because he really is looking at cars, and though it is unlikely he will buy a Q5-GKL-X3, there is a remote possibility he just might, as his friend did with the Suburu.
So, Isell and any one else, what is a good story I can tell, that has a grain of truth to it?
I could try to find a newbie and at least he would get some training.
I have one story ready to go, but I would like to hear others first.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That is all some of us have been trying to point out to you and there are more of them than you think.
Yes, you have said that and I agree. Now, what kind of image are you trying to get by driving a Gennie? Maybe, you like luxury but want to show a practical side.
Most people buy a car that reflects their image to some amount, unless they just picked up an amazing bargain from a relative or something.
Why does snake drive a Sonata? Because he is an accountant and so is very practical, wants to get the most value for his money?
Why does Richard want a big car? Oh, maybe we better not go there.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My name is real, so is the customer's (as far as I can tell).
Here is another story (also related to Yelp, even though they took his review down).
This guy contacts me online, looking for VW Eos. I call him, he tells me that he wants a specific configuration - dark blue with beige interior, base manual model. At the time - there were no cars like that anywhere in the state, and ordering for 2009 year model had closed, so I tell him that I will be happy to order him a 2011 car. He says that he is going to think about it (I translate it as he is going to call 5 other dealers and see if I am lying).
Couple of days later he calls me while I am driving. I am mentioning driving because I couldn't concentrate on the conversation as well as I could have sitting in my office.
So he says that he is ready to place the order, and we get down to details. Deposit? $1,000, refundable. Price? Dealer invoice. How muich is dealer invoice? I tell him what it is for 2009, and that it should be close to that. ETA? I don't lie to customers, so I tell him - I just don't know. I can promise that his order will be the first in line, but I have no control over factory schedule, and we don't have the allocation yet. So he says: " OK fine, then order a car for me, but I am not going to give you a deposit". I should have explained to him that without a deposit - nothing is going to stop me or another saleperson at the dealership to sell the car to someone else, but again, I was driving, so I simply said that I cannot order a car without a deposit. The guy tells me off in a few words and hangs up.
Two days later - a Yelp review:
Chavin K.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2009 I would not give even one star to this place...Let's try -2 stars. I should start by saying that I am in the market for a new VW Eos, have a credit score of 815, and was preapproved for the financing with my credit union. I *tried* to work with this place, and after it became clear that we would need to place an order for the car that I wanted, I said go ahead. The guy then says that I will have to give a $1,000 deposit. Let's be real, I don't expect a dealer to order a car to my specs and not give them a deposit, but the MORON that I was dealing with could not or would not tell me WHEN I could expect the car. He said, "oh, it could be three months, or it could be six months or longer." Is that so? Let me get this straight....you want me to give you $1,000 and you can't say WHEN I'll be getting the car? You'd have to be a total sucker to essentially give a loan to a dealer under these conditions. I then ask myself how can this place stay in business in the current economy with this kind of attitude and practice....and I review the experience of other people here and see that people are charged inflated prices for unnecessary repairs, and suddenly, it ALL makes sense. You drive away honest, sincere customers who have the means and intention to buy from you, and then you exploit the customers coming in for repairs. How nice. Stay as FAR away from this place as you can.
At least Yelp was nice enough to filter out this nonsense.
Weren't you considering the Pilot or Acadia/Enclave for a while?
I am sure you noticed Driver had no compliments for the exterior of the GLK, in his review.