Travelover
Elite Member
I'm amazed at the intimidation people will put up with. I'd have the salesman by his necktie and scrambling to give back the keys if they tried that crap on me.
Been "car shopping" lately?
- Thread starter Western
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forgeblast
Elite Member
I drive a lease now. I was going to drive my previous car until it died and it did; a bit too soon. I knew we had 3 years left on my wife's car (paying it off 8 mts early next month) and I knew we could not afford what I wanted/needed at that time, a truck. So we went with a 3 year lease, i am under the mileage every year, I bought snow tires and they will fit my wife's car when we are done. The lease will go back to the dealer after a detailing and with the original tires on it 
I can then buy a truck instead of a car I did not want/need. Lease for us was the best option, but I read up on them a lot. I put no money down make sure insurance covered a total, etc. There are a lot of great sites out there for leasing.
Now I need to look at trucks, I drive about 20-25 miles one way to work. I am thinking about going with a 2012, since I will need to have a truck by oct 14th, I figure the price on used 2012's-13's will be down since there will be talk of the 2015's coming out.
I can then buy a truck instead of a car I did not want/need. Lease for us was the best option, but I read up on them a lot. I put no money down make sure insurance covered a total, etc. There are a lot of great sites out there for leasing. Now I need to look at trucks, I drive about 20-25 miles one way to work. I am thinking about going with a 2012, since I will need to have a truck by oct 14th, I figure the price on used 2012's-13's will be down since there will be talk of the 2015's coming out.
Ken
Veteran Member
Bird
Rest in Peace
I don't remember the dealer name, but in 1964 the Dallas area had a new Chrysler dealer that did a lot of TV advertising. I had a '62 Austin Healy Sprite and thought I might trade it in on a new Chrysler. The salesman and I pretty quickly reached an agreement and I signed all the papers, including giving them my Sprite. Then the salesman disappeared through a door with a "No Admittance" sign on it. He kept running back and forth saying he had to have a little more down, or a few dollars more on a payment, and I kept refusing and telling him I was not going a nickel more than our original agreement, so I finally told him to give me back all the papers I'd signed and I'd be on my way. Well, he said he couldn't do that, but that they would destroy them. I assured him that I was going to get everything with my signature on it, he assured me I wasn't, so I started for the door he'd been back and forth through and he hollered, "You can't go in there" and I said, 'Who's going to stop me, you? He got the idea and ran to get all the papers and give them to me. I don't think that dealership lasted 6 months. The news media started running stories about their crooked dealings and I think (don't remember for sure) the state attorney general went after them.
rwork
Platinum Member
Western,
I'd be more than happy to assist you or anyone else here, in any way that I can. I do realize that vehicle sales have had a negative stigma for a long time, but hopefully that will change in time. Sure, there will always be some sellers who push the limits, but due the the availability of information we now have over the internet, bad practices are sure to change.
Buying a vehicle is likely to be the most expensive purchase many folks will make, second to their home. Therefore it is a purchase that should be thought out, and ample time taken in the shopping process.
Like I mentioned before, I came into this discussion to offer my opinion and assistance, but it got pretty negative, so I bowed out. I did notice my name mentioned, so I had to chime in again.
I consider myself a true professional in my field, and do my best to take care of our customers to the best of my ability.
Of course you can't always please everyone, as I'm finding out with a situation I'm dealing with today!!
k0ua
Epic Contributor
I enjoy your insight on the other side, and I am still trying to get that job in sales at a couple of dealerships. It is not as easy as some might think as the turnover at these dealerships is almost nonexistent.
rwork
Platinum Member
James,
That sounds like a good solid dealership. Most of my guys have been with me 3-5 years, and they're younger guys.
A lot of dealerships have quite a turnover. If they don't make enough in the first couple of months, they move on, never stay long enough to establish clients.
RWork, I agree 100%
I have had 2 dealers tell me the same thing, selling cars has become more difficult since technology has come so far, mainly the internet. I think the internet has made the process much more open and exposed for the buyer and likewise causes unscrupulous dealers and salesmen to have to work harder. I actually think most of the "thievery", or unscrupulous tactics, happens in the finance area now, more so than in the sales dept.
I have had 2 dealers tell me the same thing, selling cars has become more difficult since technology has come so far, mainly the internet. I think the internet has made the process much more open and exposed for the buyer and likewise causes unscrupulous dealers and salesmen to have to work harder. I actually think most of the "thievery", or unscrupulous tactics, happens in the finance area now, more so than in the sales dept.
rwork
Platinum Member
It narrows the profit made. However it does make the sales process much easier.
They already know what they want, and many already know the factory pricing.
Basically, all I have to do is fix them up with the financing terms.
Midniteoyl
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They are now, anyways.. use to be every 2-3 months I would see new faces.
kenmac
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Seems like car sales people (in my area) seem to float from 1 dealership to the next. I had a friend once that use to sell cars. Seems like every 6-12 months he was at different dealership. He would make his rounds. Then, go back to where he started. I asked why he did this and all he would say is, he got bored and needed to change.:confused3: He moved away and I haven't kept up with him. I don't know if he's still selling cars or not
k0ua
Epic Contributor
It depends on the dealership, I can think of one that changes guys all the time. It is large, but it has a "reputation".
I'm wondering, does the dealership dictate how obnoxious a salesman becomes by demanding sales, or is it inherent in a salesman's personality?
I have met and dealt with every kind of salesman, some are so clearly unscrupulous, it's a wonder they sale any vehicles. The there are a few like the last one we dealt with 3 weeks ago. We bought a used Saturn Sky Redline and the salesman was just plain great to work with. I had "researched" the car for 3 months and when we found one (looked at 7) we liked, the older salesman made the "tipping point" and we returned to buy that one. He ordered us a book for the car, kept us updated on the order and the tags, sent us a nice note thanking us for using him at that big dealership. I have to say that dealership seemed better than most we visited and more on the level (Classic Chevrolet of Grapevine)
I have met and dealt with every kind of salesman, some are so clearly unscrupulous, it's a wonder they sale any vehicles. The there are a few like the last one we dealt with 3 weeks ago. We bought a used Saturn Sky Redline and the salesman was just plain great to work with. I had "researched" the car for 3 months and when we found one (looked at 7) we liked, the older salesman made the "tipping point" and we returned to buy that one. He ordered us a book for the car, kept us updated on the order and the tags, sent us a nice note thanking us for using him at that big dealership. I have to say that dealership seemed better than most we visited and more on the level (Classic Chevrolet of Grapevine)
Ken
Veteran Member
I think the salesmen at dealership is because the training and attitude of the manager of car sales
I have been looking for a Lincoln MKX at dealerships in several areas each is a lesson of what not to go back to
I don't want a unshaved kid smoking and looking at his cell phone every 10 seconds.
Or one that knows more than Ford what is included in the vehicles options. but doesn't understand how to open the hood.
Or cannot tell me the basic price of the car. I have already received several quotes. and trade in value of the car I drove in with.
So keep returning to where I know everybody in the service area, parts and know salesmen by first name on the sale floor. and they have been there for past 20 years.
I expect a salesman to make a living and know the dealership has to make a profit with out the pushy method used in some.
So said to enter a dealership get a hello and know me by first name and tell them what I'm looking for and the answer is we will be looking for you and give a call when on the sales floor. Also well with in the middle of others prices.
Not looking for the cheapest price but one know will be able to come back and maintained with confidence it will be taken care of properly
Trust has to grow.
ken
wngsprd
Super Member
I've had a number of interesting new car dealer experiences.
One good one was (before the internet) when I couldn't get a fair deal from any dealer within 75 miles, only to see the truck I was looking for when on an out of town trip in Virginia Beach on a Sunday (dealership was closed). Called that dealer on Monday, asked for their best price, which beat by over $1,000 anything local. They drove the truck to my house the next day and we signed the papers at my kitchen table.
Next time shopping, I was at a dealer at the time the model years were changing. They had received only one of the newer year models so far, but it was already sold. However, the salesman took me to look at it so he could brag about all of the new features and advancements over the current model. I was fine with buying one of the soon to be old models since they were new, and I didn't need the new features. The dealer had over 15 still on the lot, so I thought they would be willing to negotiate. Instead, the negotiation ended up trying to convince me that I was getting a $900 "discount" on the older model since the new models were going up that much. That was the total deal they offered, with 15 units about to become one year old. No discount from the sticker!
So I said thanks, but I was going to keep shopping. I walked out, and the sales manager (who I had never talked with) came running out the door as I got to my car. He started yelling at me that there was nothing wrong with those 15 SUVs and I was a terrible person for not buying one. Weird.
I've had some other good and bad times buying both new and used, but have learned a lot reading this thread. Thanks.
One good one was (before the internet) when I couldn't get a fair deal from any dealer within 75 miles, only to see the truck I was looking for when on an out of town trip in Virginia Beach on a Sunday (dealership was closed). Called that dealer on Monday, asked for their best price, which beat by over $1,000 anything local. They drove the truck to my house the next day and we signed the papers at my kitchen table.
Next time shopping, I was at a dealer at the time the model years were changing. They had received only one of the newer year models so far, but it was already sold. However, the salesman took me to look at it so he could brag about all of the new features and advancements over the current model. I was fine with buying one of the soon to be old models since they were new, and I didn't need the new features. The dealer had over 15 still on the lot, so I thought they would be willing to negotiate. Instead, the negotiation ended up trying to convince me that I was getting a $900 "discount" on the older model since the new models were going up that much. That was the total deal they offered, with 15 units about to become one year old. No discount from the sticker!
So I said thanks, but I was going to keep shopping. I walked out, and the sales manager (who I had never talked with) came running out the door as I got to my car. He started yelling at me that there was nothing wrong with those 15 SUVs and I was a terrible person for not buying one. Weird.
I've had some other good and bad times buying both new and used, but have learned a lot reading this thread. Thanks.
Bird
Rest in Peace
Reminds me of way back in 1988 when I stopped at the local Ford dealer while looking for a truck to pull a fifth-wheel RV. An enthusiastic kid came hurrying out and started telling me about the pickup I was looking at. So I asked, "Which engine does it have" and he quickly responded, "The V-8" and I said, "Which one?" and that threw him off his spiel. He had no idea Ford made more than one V-8. And of course when I asked about the rated towing capacity, he was entirely lost, and even when we went inside, none of the other salesmen knew either. Finally one of them mentioned an older salesman who was off that day and said he had the books on towing.
wawajake
Veteran Member
In 2011 My daughter (a Nurse) was moving to a smaller city and would finally be comfortable enough in a small city to buy and drive a car. She had had me keeping her up to date on Consumer reports for compacts and she was settled on either a new Nissan Versa or a Hyundai Accent. That new city and its car dealers were five hours away from me , but I happened to be going through the city on business before she moved, and dropped into the Nissan dealer. I explained to salesrep that I was windowshopping for my daughter and we got down to a few quotes. I was worried about the sales pressure tactics so I explained that I wanted this purchase to go smooth with my daughter in a few weeks, that it was her car purchase and choice of model and how she would be stranger in a new city , and that if the dealer had any concerns about her credit or other issues to talk to call me, but to keep it on the QT that I had greased the wheels of the sale. The Sales Manager made sure all his staff were aware of the Nurse coming in looking for a new car . Two weeks later my daughter arrived at dealer and they treated her like gold. She was so proud to have arranged the sale all by herself. The Sales rep even drove her around the city to show her all the key stores and library and banks etc were. She even got locked out of car once and they were there before she was even late for work! Quick oil change services etc etc. I am firm believer in paying a reasonable price, not necessarily the lowest price, if the dealer service is fantastic.
MacLawn
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rw, no slight meant against you at all. I just don't agree with ye cell phone/car comparison methodology. We customers really don't like a salesman to make comeback remarks even if what we say is a bit off. And it's like I said, car dealerships have conditioned customers to be plumb leery and defensive to even go to a dealership. Dealers did this to themselves over MANY years, and it'll take a while and the internet research to begin to change that customer feeling. Like I said, I've had three decent dealer experiences in my long life. I could give a few anecdotes of terrible experiences (I didn't buy) but no need, we all know and have a story.
Anyway, please understand my feelings - I am VERY appreciative of your input here with this car buying topic. You can give us insight that we can't know otherwise. And, hey, I'm in Columbus and travel all over MS, I might stop in and have you buy me a cup o' java some time! I'm a truck man, so might even check out ye trucks!
Anyway, please understand my feelings - I am VERY appreciative of your input here with this car buying topic. You can give us insight that we can't know otherwise. And, hey, I'm in Columbus and travel all over MS, I might stop in and have you buy me a cup o' java some time! I'm a truck man, so might even check out ye trucks!
Bird
Rest in Peace
As the old saying goes . . ., "You done good!" Hope your daughter knows how good of a father she has . . . and I'll bet she does. And I agree with you about the lowest price vs. service.
