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like i stated before i belive isell is an upfront and honest person. i just saw that post and wanted to comment on it because i try to be aware of every possible angle that the customer might come in on, and if i can place my opinon out there for someone else to benifit from i try.
I drove a 2006 this morning and the salesman told me that the dealership still had some 05s on the lot - I might want to check them out to see if any met my needs. I plan to keep the car at least 5 years and I'm familiar with the depreciation of the Grand Caravan.
According to KBB, the vehicle "worth" is already below invoice. I'd be tempted to go after a totally loaded 05 SXT. I'm thinking the market for 2005 Grand Caravans is pretty limited as is right now. How much $$ should I be looking to save to make this worth while? Should I be starting at a percentage below the listed invoice? I'm not trying to negotiate dollars/pennies here, but if you buy an "outdated" version of a 2006 vehicle that is not exactly flying off the lot (hence the $3000 cash back), shouldn't you expect a really large discount?
Any guidance?
or, he might be just an escapee from the local looney bin.
By the same token-a poseur ina $5000 suit pulls up-do you fawn on him? (The guy is $500,000 in debt, but dresses like Donald Trump)
If it weren't for the fact that my recent move did not land me within 5 miles of my office, I would avoid the SUV entirely. Don't get me wrong, I think they are a fun car to drive and pehpaps a bit more practical in Chicago winters (although, I do enjoy watching to some extent how many I see in the ditch during a snowfall when the SUV driver thinks they are invinceable)
I would appreciate your insisghts suggestions, on a vehicle that will accomomadate my 4 children ranging from 1-6 years of age. This would not be the primary family car, but the back up car- ie pick them up after wife dropped them off, etc.
I would like to stay south of 35K, what are your thoughts?
I think, others chime in, 30 sec's is an appropriate time or about the time it takes to lock the car and look around.
Beyond that there is a 'disrespect' factor that has to be considered. 'What aren't I good enough to warrant someone to come over and at least introduce themselves? Am I invisible?' There are a lot of people who feel insulted in this way especially if they are new to this particular store. How do you know? You dont.
I look at it this way, If a visitor came into my house to look at it they should at least be greeted. It's no different.
First, since there is $3k back on an '06, I'd take that buy price (invoice minus $3k) of a comparable '06 and knock off another $2500 for the '05 (only because this is the arbitrary number I've decided on ... if i was looking at 2 used Caravan SXTs 3 years from now, both with identical miles, I'd pay $2500 less for the one that is a year older).
The other route is to find out what ultra-low-mile '05 Caravan SXTs are going for at auction through the Real-World Trade-In Values board. Then add maybe $500 to that as my first offer ... and maybe stretch up to $2k over auction value. Otherwise, its just not worth it, in my opinion.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Mackabee
Today, I have a bit more money than before (nothing big, but enough), I know I have an excellent credit and I'm not afraid. The other day I wanted to take a look at a Volvo V50 and went on Saturday morning to a local store. Since I entered through service and parked there, the salesguys did not see my car coming in - I just showed up on the parking lot. I caught myself getting annoyed when nobody came to me - I think I looked too young or something, so they decided I wasn't worth the trip outside. How do I know? Usually, when I drive to the front door with my WRX, I get a proper greeting. And yes, I am one of those "just looking what is in the market" guys with test drives way ahead of the possible purchase (don't do it too often, though - three-four times a year, tops ).
Point is - the more money one have, the better they treat themselves, the less "afraid" they are of the salesguys. I really don't get those 750Li people in Rover's store. The only possible explanation is is they were windowshopping and then they realized it and got ashamed or something - got to go...
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Remember the alternate reality where George Bailey never existed in "Its a Wonderful Life"? Remember at the bar where we see the druggist? I once worked in at a company where the owner looked at acted just like him. Yet he was loaded.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I usually can smell B.S in the first 10 minutes. The guys that come in with the bling and always on the cell phone and talk about thier "business" look at A6s and then after we drive want a 499 lease payment, because they are making several "business" changes so they need a low payment.
Audi A6 and A8 buyers know what they want and all about the cars so when they come in they often want to be left alone until they are ready to buy. They come off aloof but they can be if they want they are buying and $85,000 car.
You got it...Looks don't mean much but what they say and how they say it tells the real story. A windmerchant will always say something that will send up the red flag.
Nope doesn't matter what the race is running, be it the Indy 500, Daytona or whatever people still get the same deal.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I find it strange that one type of person would get a better deal than another.... The dealership/salesperson will try to make the most they can. They'll naturally start high and work down. When the customer agrees with the price, the deal is done. If there's a well-dressed man, will the dealer just instantly drop $5000 off the price and not even seek any profit? But if it's a woman or minority, they won't budge? That sounds really strange.... So basically this "study" said that the well-dressed woman just agreed to higher numbers than anyone else?
See, it's a Catch-22. If you greet too quickly, then it's harrassment. If you greet too slowly, then it's disrespect. And, of course, every person has different definitions for too quickly and too slowly.... It's a no-win situation.
No harrassment, no disrespect. In fact, that approach shows complete respect in my opinion.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
When I was shopping for a Highlander would go to the dealership on days when I was looking disheveled (maybe was in the middle of painting a room or just got done doing a long hike on a muddy trail, etc.) -- I was rarely bothered by salespeople when I just wanted to be able to think to myself while evaluating the different trimlines and features available.
Why wait days till you look disheveled? Just pop a couple alka-seltzer in your mouth...the salespeople will think you are rabid. Won't come near ya with a 30 foot pole.
Of course they may call the pound or animal control on you. :sick:
1. Be talking on your cell phone endlessly while walking the inventory (salespeople will think you lost your way and ended up at the dealership unknowingly)
2. Do not bathe for 1 or 2 weeks (this one works like a charm)
3. Scream at the top of your lungs "who wants to sell me a car today?" and see how quickly the sales people run away from you.
Mackabee
This particular conversation can continue in our discussion called How to find a quality salesman.
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