Car Dealers Crack Me Up

[Tennessee Boy]

Yesterday we picked up our new car that had been on order for 6 weeks.  When we placed the order the manager made her case for why we should spend $3300 on the 96 month extended warranty.  I told here we were not interested.  Yesterday she said she had good news.  She could give us the 96 month warranty for just $3005.  I told her we were not interested.   She said she felt bad that we had to wait so long for the car so she said she would give us the warranty at cost ($2560) plus one dollar because she was not allowed to sell it at cost.  I told her we were not interested.   Apparently the sell below cost requirement went away quickly because she then offered us the warranty for $1760.   I told her we were not interested and that was the end of it.   I think they must require you to take a lie detector test before you can work for a car dealership and if the test shows you’re telling the truth you don’t get the job.  ?

[galyonj]

I hope everybody that works in dealership sales or sales management gets an ingrown toenail that just won't go away.

 

I hope they stub that toe on the same doorframe every time they get up at night to visit the head.

 

[gim]

I bought a "new" truck in August.  Its interesting to see how the lots are only half full nowadays.  They used to be stuffed to the curbs with vehicles.

[ScottW]

I can honestly say that I ‘hate’ few things in life but car sales people are in that list. I detest the game playing they do to try wearing you down. I’ve walked away from a few so-called deals madder than a hornet from them wasting my time. I even had B’ham PD on the phone once because they wouldn’t return my old truck unless I had a sit down with their sales manager. The truck magically appeared after that. Car finance managers are no less evil either. ?

[A-Jay]

I really Love buying new vehicles - Seriously.

The mental wrestling match is a blast for me.

Reason being - I have ALL the power and legs.

Which always allowed me to walk away.

Sometimes some of what is said or offered is so insane,

it's hard not to burst out laughing.

Since moving to a small community up north here,

the local GMC dealer has ended becoming a good friend.

Actually tried to hire me the first time I went there 

AND

The dealership owner bought my GTO (Cash) so I could get the Lund.

So I love him. 

A-Jay

 

 

[volzfan59]

As a rule, I despise all car dealerships and salespeople. That said, my step-daughter was recently involved in a head on collision (not her fault). It totaled her less than a year old Honda CR-V. Plus side, the other guys insurance paid market, which was $15k over what she paid new. She wanted a new Ford Bronco. All of the dealerships around here had a $5k markup above MSRP. Thankfully she was smart enough to walk. One little Ford dealer in little Smackover, AR sells new cars w/o the add on and I have to say, it was a pleasurable experience. Just down home country folk. Told her to take it, drive it and come back with her down payment when she got it. I don't finance anything, but when we're ready for a new ride I know where we're going.

[Deleted account]

58 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I really Love buying new vehicles - Seriously.

The mental wrestling match is a blast for me.

Reason being - I have ALL the power and legs.

Which always allowed me to walk away.

Sometimes some of what is said or offered is so insane,

it's hard not to burst out laughing.

Since moving to a small community up north here,

the local GMC dealer has ended becoming a good friend.

Actually tried to hire me the first time I went there 

AND

The dealership owner bought my GTO (Cash) so I could get the Lund.

So I love him. 

A-Jay

 

 

I agree, the problem comes in when folks need to purchase a vehicle on short notice. The laughing out loud thing actually works. If you have the time and patience, they will call you back when they need to make a sale to close out a SPIF period, and you can really get a good deal then. One of my brother's buds/fishing clique guy leases late model luxury cars for a living (among other things) , and he has the nicest boat at the marina, so we have an in to the business model, they say it's a vestige throw back to the days of horse trading, don't know about that, the car sales scenes in Fargo are really funny if you haven't seen it.

[Tennessee Boy]

I find the sales people entertaining.  I was pretending like I might buy the extended warranty if she went low enough.  Thinking back over the seven vehicles I’ve bought in my life,  I think I’ve had $300 in repair cost that I would have saved by buying a 96 month/ 120K miles extended warranty.  It’s no wonder they try so hard to sell them.   They’re almost pure profit.
 

[roadwarrior]

Well, like many of you I have bought a lot of vehicles over the years. It really surprises

me that I have NEVER had a pleasant experience. Why is that?

[N Florida Mike]

The only other job that comes close is the dang time share people.   I wont launch into my episode with them, but if I hadn’t said no  5 times we’d have one still today. ( My wife was convinced after the 3-4th try.)

My car dealer story was when I went to look at new trucks at the dealership I had planned to get one at. I snuck onto the lot and couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for in the time I had.

I was almost to my car when the salesman found me. He convinced me to step into the office… I told him he had 5 minutes and I had to go. He leaves and comes back with the manager, who looked liked “ the ugly”, on the “ Good , the Bad , and the Ugly” 

He said “ I understand your looking for a truck”? When I said yes but I would have to come back because I was about to be late, he said “ We’ll get you in a truck today”. I said , “ not today , because I’m about to be late” I stood up to leave. He blocked the doorway. I told him again. He didn’t budge. I lost my temper and told him I was walking through the door with him in it or out, and that I had planned to buy a truck there but would NEVER  come back.

He was nearly crying as he moved and I walked out the door, and him begging me to reconsider!?

I went to another dealership, found what I wanted , and bought it. No hassle, the way it should be!!!

 

[Jig Man]

8 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

Yesterday we picked up our new car that had been on order for 6 weeks.  When we placed the order the manager made her case for why we should spend $3300 on the 96 month extended warranty.  I told here we were not interested.  Yesterday she said she had good news.  She could give us the 96 month warranty for just $3005.  I told her we were not interested.   She said she felt bad that we had to wait so long for the car so she said she would give us the warranty at cost ($2560) plus one dollar because she was not allowed to sell it at cost.  I told her we were not interested.   Apparently the sell below cost requirement went away quickly because she then offered us the warranty for $1760.   I told her we were not interested and that was the end of it.   I think they must require you to take a lie detector test before you can work for a car dealership and if the test shows you’re telling the truth you don’t get the job.  ?

When I worked for a boat dealership I sold extended warranties.  I got 20% of the cost and the owner got 30%.

[Catt]

I bring my oldest brother with me, he was the top Chevrolet salesman for 12 years. When we walk out they're madder than a hornet.

 

One that cracks me up is when they hand me the keys to test it. I hand them back & say it better drive great it's brand new!

[DitchPanda]

7 hours ago, sdw215 said:

I can honestly say that I ‘hate’ few things in life but car sales people are in that list. I detest the game playing they do to try wearing you down. I’ve walked away from a few so-called deals madder than a hornet from them wasting my time. I even had B’ham PD on the phone once because they wouldn’t return my old truck unless I had a sit down with their sales manager. The truck magically appeared after that. Car finance managers are no less evil either. ?

You bring your business to them and they repay you by making demands and holding your personal property hostage? That sounds like a solid business tactic. If that happened to me I may be inclined to say: sure bring the sales manager in...I need to break somebody's jaw anyway.

[slonezp]

When I bought the Super Duty, I had financing already set up thru my credit union. I negotiated a price I was comfortable with and when I told Ford I already had financing, they said they could not honor the discounts they gave me without going thru Ford credit (the discounts were based on a 10% interest rate). BUT, I only have to keep the financing for 90 days and then I can refinance with my credit union. I called my girl at the credit union and she said the dealer needs you to keep the financing for 90 days so they get their kickback from Ford credit. She told me to sign the papers, it will take a week for the papers to go thru. She will call Ford credit daily and once the loan is processed she will pay it off and my loan will take effect at 2.9%. I never received a statement from Ford, got the truck for a price I felt comfortable with, and didn't get stuck with the 10% interest rate. 

[PaulVE64]

9 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

Yesterday we picked up our new car that had been on order for 6 weeks.  When we placed the order the manager made her case for why we should spend $3300 on the 96 month extended warranty.  I told here we were not interested.  Yesterday she said she had good news.  She could give us the 96 month warranty for just $3005.  I told her we were not interested.   She said she felt bad that we had to wait so long for the car so she said she would give us the warranty at cost ($2560) plus one dollar because she was not allowed to sell it at cost.  I told her we were not interested.   Apparently the sell below cost requirement went away quickly because she then offered us the warranty for $1760.   I told her we were not interested and that was the end of it.   I think they must require you to take a lie detector test before you can work for a car dealership and if the test shows you’re telling the truth you don’t get the job.  ?

Try working in construction management for a small builder.

[Woody B]

1 hour ago, slonezp said:

I only have to keep the financing for 90 days and then I can refinance with my credit union.

 

When I bought my Titan I wasn't going to finance it.  Nissan had a $7500 incentive( rebate) for financing with Nissan financial.   I asked how long it had to remain financed with them.  They looked like Deer in headlights.  Finally they came up with a document stating it had to remain financed for 7 days.   I paid it off on the 8th day.    

 

I worked at a franchised dealership for decades.  (technician)  I now work for the countries largest used car retailer.  My current employer doesn't play games with pricing.  They'll offer an extended warranty but from what I've seen they're not pushy about it.  Our prices aren't super low, but our quality and warranty is second to none in the used car market.   

 

I do see people with bad credit financing 10 year old cars for 5 or 6 years at 20+ percent interest.   

 

 

When I was young I drove junk for a few years while making "car" payments to my savings account.  In my life I've financed 2 vehicles.  My Titan for 8 days, and a Silverado 15 years ago with 0% financing.  I was prepared to pay cash for it, but taking 0% financing was a no brainer.  

[slonezp]

24 minutes ago, Woody B said:

 

When I bought my Titan I wasn't going to finance it.  Nissan had a $7500 incentive( rebate) for financing with Nissan financial.   I asked how long it had to remain financed with them.  They looked like Deer in headlights.  Finally they came up with a document stating it had to remain financed for 7 days.   I paid it off on the 8th day.    

 

I worked at a franchised dealership for decades.  (technician)  I now work for the countries largest used car retailer.  My current employer doesn't play games with pricing.  They'll offer an extended warranty but from what I've seen they're not pushy about it.  Our prices aren't super low, but our quality and warranty is second to none in the used car market.   

 

I do see people with bad credit financing 10 year old cars for 5 or 6 years at 20+ percent interest.   

 

 

When I was young I drove junk for a few years while making "car" payments to my savings account.  In my life I've financed 2 vehicles.  My Titan for 8 days, and a Silverado 15 years ago with 0% financing.  I was prepared to pay cash for it, but taking 0% financing was a no brainer.  

GM and Chrysler/Dodge got bailed out after their run of 0% financing. 

I have enough money to pay off the note on the Super Duty but, with the state of affairs today, I'm going to ride out the financing for the next year. I'd rather have liquidity just in case of the zombie apocalypse. The bulk of the interest was already paid the last 4 years. 12 more months won't make or break me.   

[GReb]

I love buying new cars and hassling with the salesmen. Makes me feel alive! 

[TnRiver46]

Carmax 

[slonezp]

2 minutes ago, GReb said:

I love buying new cars and hassling with the salesmen. Makes me feel alive! 

When my son financed his first car, I sat with him at the dealership. After almost 2 hours of back and forth, we agreed on a price. When the financing was done, I asked the salesman how they could sell a car for almost zero profit. He told me they make enough off of folks that just walk in the door and pay the asking price or jew them down a couple hundred bucks, that it doesn't matter. 

[12poundbass]

When the wife had a midlife crisis this summer and wanted to trade the Terrain in we went to a Kia dealership in Grand Rapids. She found a couple vehicles she liked and we started talking price. I told her what the price was and the salesman said, “that’s not right the price is $5k more.” I was done at that point but continued the game. Took the car for a test drive, with the salesman in the back seat (strike 2). We were only allowed to go around the block (strike 3). By this time I became a “cocky a$$”. These were my wife’s words not mine.?

 

They bring the “GM” out of his layer to sit down and talk with us. By this time I almost have my feet on the desk because the ? is getting too deep! They made us two final offers, “Mr. McConnell we’re not making any money on this, but we need this sale to wrap up the week.” ?

 

After telling them we were going out to eat and we’re going to talk it over, I had to ask two different people where my keys were, we left. I told the Mrs they’d call with a lower offer. Sure enough they called with their final third offer in which we declined. ?

 

After all of that, the wife didn’t think I was being such a cocky a$$. I told her next time she wanted a new vehicle to let me do the talking because they can see her coming a mile away. She’s too much of a sucker and caves to their sales tactics. To be fair, I still have a lot to learn myself. 

[gim]

5 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

Thinking back over the seven vehicles I’ve bought in my life,  I think I’ve had $300 in repair cost that I would have saved by buying a 96 month/ 120K miles extended warranty.  It’s no wonder they try so hard to sell them.   They’re almost pure profit.

The last 3 vehicles I’ve bought (all fords) have had an extended warranty through 100k. I used mine a couple times that easily paid for the purchase of the warranty. It was a $100 deductible each time. They do have a vanishing deductible if you don’t use it for anything after a certain amount of time too.

 

I don’t normally drive my vehicles forever or into the ground. I get rid of them and upgrade before they get to the end of their warranty. The peace of mind I have knowing that I won’t be on the hook for any major problem is worth it to me.

[ScottW]

18 hours ago, N Florida Mike said:

The only other job that comes close is the dang time share people.   I wont launch into my episode with them, but if I hadn’t said no  5 times we’d have one still today. ( My wife was convinced after the 3-4th try.)

My car dealer story was when I went to look at new trucks at the dealership I had planned to get one at. I snuck onto the lot and couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for in the time I had.

I was almost to my car when the salesman found me. He convinced me to step into the office… I told him he had 5 minutes and I had to go. He leaves and comes back with the manager, who looked liked “ the ugly”, on the “ Good , the Bad , and the Ugly” 

He said “ I understand your looking for a truck”? When I said yes but I would have to come back because I was about to be late, he said “ We’ll get you in a truck today”. I said , “ not today , because I’m about to be late” I stood up to leave. He blocked the doorway. I told him again. He didn’t budge. I lost my temper and told him I was walking through the door with him in it or out, and that I had planned to buy a truck there but would NEVER  come back.

He was nearly crying as he moved and I walked out the door, and him begging me to reconsider!?

I went to another dealership, found what I wanted , and bought it. No hassle, the way it should be!!!

 

I hate when they do that! Take no for an answer and move on.

 

17 hours ago, DitchPanda said:

You bring your business to them and they repay you by making demands and holding your personal property hostage? That sounds like a solid business tactic. If that happened to me I may be inclined to say: sure bring the sales manager in...I need to break somebody's jaw anyway.

I know, right?! 
 

I forgot about when my wife got her new Corolla. She traded in her old one for it after beating them down on a price. When they said they were going to take it around back to detail it she told them the Michelins better still be on it. Turns out they swapped the tires out on her old Corolla when they detailed it. I never knew. ?

[Koz]

On 10/21/2022 at 12:38 PM, A-Jay said:

Reason being - I have ALL the power and legs.

 

 

I do all of my research before walking in and when it comes time to deal I write a number down with my out the door price on the back of my business card and hand it to them. 

 

If they decline I stand up, shake their hand, and walk out the door. If they try and get me to negotiate, I tell them my offer is firm and leave. If they try to sell me a different color car or different options I politely decline and leave.

 

I may have to go to a few dealers, but I've always paid my price for the car.

 

However, that probably won't work today because dealers are getting well over MSRP for most cars. I'd love to trade in my car for a new SUV, but there is not a whole lot of leverage for buyers today.

[NYWayfarer]

I married an accountant…

 

She does the number crunching and sits back while the dealer talks to me. We have been at dealerships for hours before we get the price we are looking for.