Been "car shopping" lately?

[Western]

A couple months back, the wife and I have been thinking about new car/truck. So I started my "research" on the web. Really like using the internet to look at dealer inventory, vehicle specs and even automotive reviews and values, very informative and helpful overall.

Being around 4 years since we made a major vehicle purchase, I had forgotten how much we both hate the vehicle buying process. Since my father dabbled in "high end' cars as a side hobby, I learned a few tricks of the trade, like the 4x4 square they use to try to up sale you and the real money is made in the finance office and never tell them what "payment" you want, final price dictates that. but my disdain really starts at the 1st contact.

Now it starts at the dealers web page! Any page you look at, they have this "chat" box floating around and it gets very annoying. Never really using the internet for more than information before, I thought I would use the "cha tbox" just to get information on a vehicle we may be interested in. 1st time I tried it, they asked for my "name, email and number" in-case we got disconnected, at the time it seemed "normal", but I have been spammed ever since (email and calls), they have never given my requested info, unless I supplied that info.

So I tried just calling the dealerships, same d^& thing, save for one dealership, which I thanked the salesman for later. The rest I finally started telling them, that if they cant give me the info I wanted, I would shop somewhere else. I am not going to be hounded by them fishing for their sales leads.

We where out last Saturday, knew of a car we where interested in, so the wife called and asked only if it was still on the lot, answer, "yes". So we go by and before we even got out, the vulture showed up LOL, He asked me who our salesman was, I said we just stopped by to look at "that car", 1st darn thing out of his mouth then was, can I have you're name and phone number and he pulled out his "pad". I said "no you can not"! he reply's, " well sir, I need it to see who you're salesman is", I just told him " We will go somewhere else, you obviously have a hearing, or comprehension problem" and we left. This was Holt dodge in mid cities area (used cars)

I get so perturbed at the process and refuse to be "bullied" by them, guess I am just a hard head.

When I find a good, proffesional salesman, we usually (in the past) have given them some great business.

 

[foreman Etexas]

Dennis I have bought two new trucks one 2012 and the other last year and know what your dealing with. I done the same as you look on the internet at the ones I liked and got a price in my head that I would pay. I already got what could do with my credit union,so that is a great thing to have,so didn't have to put up with there numbers. Anyways not to many dodge dealers had the truck I wonted exactly but what I done is find the truck and give them my number would pay and asked for a yes or no, a few said couldn't do it,so I left my number and said they had couple days to change there mind and left. I went to visit my grandmother and there she set on lot right across from her place,so I turned in got the coolest salesman and gave him my offer,talked to manager and he actually come in the office also,he seen how serious I was about it and wasn't going to budge,gave it to me for that price. While he thought maybe I was BSing him about already having my end set up,the process from the credit union went threw quick and easy,he said that I am one of those folks that they don't like see coming,cause wasn't getting anything over them and had truck priced right on,no extras and take it or leave it. Within a week of leaving the other dealers they wonted to deal now and had to tell them sorry already have a new truck. I would buy another truck at dodge dealer in tyler no problem. You should be able to get some 2013's now with some good discounts and I find it better to shop at closer to end of the month...

 

[troutsqueezer]

I would say that I have the best experiences with the older salesmen. They are usually less pressure, having been around the block a few thousand times, understand the customer apprehension and attitudes towards car salesmen and give you room to think and browse.

 

[Bird]

Dennis, over the years, I've found lots of automobile sales tactics that were really offensive, including at some of the largest, most successful dealerships in the area. It does make me wonder how they can be so successful. But it also makes me appreciate Bill Utter Ford in Denton. They are so different it's amazing. And since they've been around for more than 50 years, their ways must work pretty well.

I have a brother who has been one of the most successful salesmen I ever knew; whether cars, pickups, RVs or as a Matco distributor and I think it's because I never knew him to try to sell anything. He made a point of trying to know his products, but never hesitated to say, "I don't know" if that was the case. And he'd visit and shoot the bull with you as long as you wanted without ever asking you to make a decision.

 

[lockhaven]

car dealers are mostly all the same, they want to sell you a car for the most money they can, that is the business they are in. If you have a trade better sell it to carmax or some other person or company. Get the best deal then walk out, they always find a few more dollars to deduct. Salesmen need to get as much money as possible to keep their jobs, they are not bad people the job makes them appear so.

 

[foreman Etexas]

I don't mind a salesman meeting me outside at vehicle,to me that shows they wont my business but I like when they ask me if need any assistance and when I decline,they say I will be just inside if you have any questions or would like to test drive and leave me alone.If they do not meet everyone outside,there could be someone that hasn't done there home work and setting inside is rude not to try and help folks. I cannot stand the running numbers back and forth to manager in office but know they need help,to get the ball rolling,so like the dealer I dealt with the manager after first time come in to set and deal directly with me. I think the salesman has to push the highest number first,thats understandable but when they read the customer,they should be able to tell,need to jump right to it,cut the BS and let the higher up come in and make the deal,before I push this person out the door...

 

[nybirdman]

The only thing lower than a car salesman is XXXXXXXXX

 

[rwork]

I guess I should chime in here, as I am a sales manager at a new car dealership. Yes, shopping for cars is not something that most folks look forward to doing. Most are apprehensive, due to past negative experiences. A good professional salesperson, whether it be automobiles, tractors, boats, whatever, must be a good "Consultant". I try to teach my sales people to listen to the customers needs, understand what their budget is, and know their products, so that they can present the customer with a good solution to their requirements. Of course we want to make a sale "today", but what I try to stress, is not pressure anyone to buy something, but rather give them every "opportunity" to make a purchase.
I know there are a lot of car dealers that use the high pressure tactics, and those are the ones that tend to push business my direction.

On the other hand we in the auto sales business, deal with a lot of customers, that have no idea of what pricing is all about. Like the fellow who looks at a $ 40K vehicle, and wants to offer you $25K! Thats when I ask "and how did you arrive at that figure"!
Are we there to make money, Absolutely!, however its better to make a fair profit, and earn a repeat customer, and lots of referrals, than to knock someones head off, and never get any repeat from it!

 

[s219]

I like to have all my facts/info together so that when I finally do go to the dealership, the sales flunkie just needs to get a key for a test drive and I only need to tolerate him for the minimal time possible. If they don't seem to have what I want or can't respond within a few minutes, I get out of there ASAP. They will dick around and waste your time if you let them.

There are a few exceptions; I've had good experiences buying a couple new cars recently, and it's because the salesman treated us like equals rather than like a wolf looking at red meat. When they are direct with no pressure, it's a nice experience.

 

[sixdogs]

The only thing lower than a car salesman is a lawyer.

Question: What's the difference between a dead skunk and a dead car salesman in the middle of the road?

Answer: There are skid marks in front of the skunk.




Seriously, when I buy truck or whatever, I do it entirely over the phone. I email for the best internet price and talk to no salesman. I tell them my intent is to buy a vehicle in the next two days, have no trade and am willing to make the deal over the phone as long as quality, fit and finish are what I have come to expect and been told.
They try to jerk me around but I say I'm just looking for the best price, I'm not going to haggle and that's what works for me. If you don't want to do that tell me up front so neither of us wastes time.

In 25 or 30 year of dealing over the phone like this, I can't recall serious hassle and have bought every car or truck this way. Some people thought I was bluffing and when they emailed or phoned two days later I explained I already bought a truck but I will call them the next tie around.

That's what works for me.

 

[hawkeye08]

Dave Smith Motors in Kellogg Idaho has completely different sales model. They have around 2500 cars/trucks (GM/Dodge/RAM) in stock if I recall. Their prices are pretty much fixed (below supplier pricing on GM). I have never had a pushy sales rep, only good experiences.

They sell to people all over the US and are happy to work over email or phone, get you the details and then work with you on getting to their location. They are about 80 miles from us so when we bought our last two new cars/trucks, we gave the local folks a chance. We hated the experience and just went to Dave Smith. Also note, Dave Smith beats the Costco auto program pricing.

 

[rwork]

I like to have all my facts/info together so that when I finally do go to the dealership, the sales flunkie just needs to get a key for a test drive and I only need to tolerate him for the minimal time possible. If they don't seem to have what I want or can't respond within a few minutes, I get out of there ASAP. They will dick around and waste your time if you let them.

There are a few exceptions; I've had good experiences buying a couple new cars recently, and it's because the salesman treated us like equals rather than like a wolf looking at red meat. When they are direct with no pressure, it's a nice experience.

Wel, the best way to handle someone "in a rush" is to ask them "what would you like to accomplish in your visit today?", or "what can I do for you, in the time that you have available"?

Believe me, our time is valuable, as well....

 

[Western]

Great replys fellas, I guess I am "normal" after all:laughing:. It does help having knowledge when walking onto a lot, like asking a dealer to admit to the all invisible "hold back", most claim " no idea what you're talking about"?

Some great stories and jokes too, kinda how you have to look at it, only way they could top it off, is have a dentist working in the office, might as well get all the pain ya can.

I am mixed on Small town vs big city dealers, but agree with Bird, most of the time there is a difference (except the chevy dealer in Decatur,,,used car portion)

We did get a new chevy 3/4 ton Denali and I got it for 55,250k, not to bad since sticker was 64k, but found one dealer (end of month and end of year) that wanted to move some tax off his lot. Sad thing, for the price, the new stingray sure looked "purdy":laughing:

Now we are looking for a good gas mileage used car to keep at the house for wife to go to work (high mile use) and now that my daughter graduated nursing school (Yeah!! and praise God):thumbsup: We are trying to get her into her 1st "ride".

One is bad enough, but I have talked with about 14 dealers in 2 states and I think they all go to the same school. Fortunatly, some have been nice to deal with.

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

On the other hand we in the auto sales business, deal with a lot of customers, that have no idea of what pricing is all about. Like the fellow who looks at a $ 40K vehicle, and wants to offer you $25K! Thats when I ask "and how did you arrive at that figure"!

That exact same thing happened with my brother-in-law who spent an hour and a half with a customer looking at a 43K used truck, then she explained that she only had 35K to spend. He said to the lady" Well I have good news and bad news for you" "35 grand will buy you a pretty nice truck, but it won't buy you this truck!"

Or the idiots who think they can buy a Porsche, yet don't disclose their bad credit history, thereby getting denied on a loan application and completely wasting everyones time.
There are unscrupulous customers too. :confused3:

 

[rwork]

The only thing lower than a car salesman is a lawyer.

And what is your profession, Mr. Birdman??

 

[k0ua]

And what is your profession, Mr. Birdman??

Rwork, I am thinking about going into auto sales. As I have experience in working with the public (business owners and IT departments) and trying to determine their needs as it related to phone systems and data networks, and recommending the proper systems and features for their business. Do you think I could make it as a car salesman? And if you work at it, can you make a living at it?

 

[MossRoad]

I refuse to buy new cars. When we need one, we buy used. We just had a very good experience with a local car company, R&B Car Company. I told them I'm looking for a 2012-13 Impala, dark exterior, dark interior, cloth or leather. Not the lowest package but not the best package, with under 25K but MUST have dual climate control. He had nothing on his lots, but by the end of the evening he went and found a nice dark grey, LT package, dark cloth seats, sunroof. 16K miles, $15,800. Former rental car. Still has 1.5 years of bumper-to-bumper and 3.5 years of power train. He brought it to the lot, it snowed hard, so he held it for several days until the snow cleared and we test drove it. Agreed on price, the fixed some things, we accepted some things. Sold. Very pleasant experience. New, with options, that car listed over $27,000. I'm sure rental car company didn't pay that, but they didn't pay $16K either. Anyhow, 2/3 the price, with factory warranty, and little depreciation left. Before that, we went to several of the Big 3 dealers to look at used cars. They didn't want anything to do with us. No sale. :confused3:

 

[econometrics]

Dennis, it's a small drive for you... but Lewis Chevrolet in Canton is probably the best little dealership in TX.

It's owned by Henry Lewis - who basically owns most of Canton's First Monday park. So I think he just sells cars for fun, ha! He's the biggest Corvette dealer around, I know that.

Anyway, he's the only salesman, and he shoots durn straight.

Sounds like you found something, though, and got a good price on it. Next time, give a call to ole "Friendly Henry - the dealingest dealer in Van Zandt county!" ...where it's "Not a lot full of salesmen, just a lot full of sales!" ...and he will "meet you at 2 in the morning, if I know you're coming!"

:laughing:

 

[rwork]

Rwork, I am thinking about going into auto sales. As I have experience in working with the public (business owners and IT departments) and trying to determine their needs as it related to phone systems and data networks, and recommending the proper systems and features for their business. Do you think I could make it as a car salesman? And if you work at it, can you make a living at it?

James,
I have no doubt, you can succeed at anything you want! Don't know how old you are, but I'm no young buck, by any means myself.
Commission sales can be tough, but it can also be very lucrative as well. I have salesman that make six figures, but it takes work and long hours.