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Last post on Mar 17, 2013 at 6:53 PM
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Infiniti QX56, SUV
#574 of 871 Re: 2011 qx 56 [mlad11]
by sewellgsm
Aug 26, 2010 (3:08 pm)
I don't mind debating. I am the General Sales Manger - hence the name. After 4 years of selling more than 1700 new Infinitis and finishing in the Top 5 in retail sales, last year we finished #1 in the country with 1198 (2009 was a tough year for new vehicle sales).
Our owner is Carl Sewell, he wrote Customers For Life (google it). We have two Infiniti dealerships and are building a 3rd (awarded to us by Infiniti) since we have some of the highest CSI (customer satisfaction scores) in the Nation and we are high volume. We are 1 of only 2 dealership to win the Circle of Excellence Award from Infiniti (over 180 dealers in the country). I've worked at Sewell for 14 years, so I have some experience.
It is not often, but every now and then a vehicle comes along that customer will pay MSRP or more for. Corvettes throughout the years, certain Lexus or the Escalade or Hummer when they first rolled out and that is what we have going on with the QX56 right now - sure it will fade...but not for a few months. If you wait, you will get a better price.
Now - some dealers charge over MSRP (it is the Manufactors SUGGESTED Retail Price) - I think of Smart cars or the Mini or the SC430 - we never have - even when vehicles were super limited after WWII (Sewell has been doing this since 1911 - we have some loyal customers), we never sold one over MSRP - but we think it is fair to sell them at MSRP if the market bears it - do you blame us? If we know we are going to sell them all, why discount? Now have we, yes - to our loyal customers who have bought from Sewell we have given a $500 courtesy discount plus we give high trade-in values and no dealer prep fees or other "BS".
We've sold 32 this month, have 5 lined up for folks to pick up Fri/Sat which only leaves us about 10 left with no more coming till mid-September. So, it is basic supply vs demand.
37% of our sales YTD are repeat customers.
12% are referrals.
12% are "general reputation"
That is 61% or are vehicles sold not due to advertising or internet, etc.
In the end - if you can find a dealership to give you a big discount on the QX56 right now - congratulations, let everyone know on the forum, you did a great job - but I don't think it is happening out there and I am keeping a close eye on it...when the vehicles start to stack up on the lot...we will be the first to reevalutate our pricing stance until then we will "make hay while the sun is shining"....
PS If you want a EX - I'll sell it to you for invoice - the $3000 dealer cash....
#575 of 871 Re: 2011 qx 56 [mlad11]
by sewellgsm
Aug 26, 2010 (3:31 pm)
True Market Value - listed on this very website - is at MSRP. So, most people are paying that - if you get a discount, consider yourself a great car buyer and be sure to watch your trade-in value and/or the financing - that is where the dealership will try to recoup the money they gave away in the discount.
mlad11 - none of this is directed to you specifically, I'm speaking to the general public to let them know what is happening from my perspective. Again I'm only at 1 of 180+ stores, so maybe things are different up North or on the Coast - we are in Texas.
PS I expect Infiniti to raise the price on this vehicle either mid-year 2011 or by 2012 for sure.
#576 of 871 Re: 2011 qx 56 [sewellgsm]
by tigerboo
Aug 27, 2010 (11:14 am)
Been following this forum for awhile, and really appreciate the info from sewellgsm and others.
I was looking at a 2010 back about July 1st, but the technology in the vehicle just seemed outdated (I couldn't get past no USB port, and the dumb compact flash slot).
I'm been tracking the 2011 for awhile now, and have decided it's the one for me. I even have a buddy who just recently moved from the Dallas metro, and we considered going to Sewell to buy (I live in Kansas City). Salesman was very nice and indicated many inquiries were made on VPP, but not available.
Anyway, I haven't seen any updates on the availability of the 2011 on the VPP program. I know right now it's excluded, and since I found my employer qualifies me for the program, I am holding out on purchasing.
I visited my only local Infiniti dealer today at lunch, and was informed this vehicle was now on a 30 day notice for VPP. From what I gathered, this means in 30 days, Infiniti should decide when they will release it to the program (not that it will be released at that time).
sewellgsm...can you validate that info at all, and let me know how it works? Also, do you have any personal opinion on when we might see VPP availability on the 2011? Again, just doesn't make sense to pay MSRP with that in my pocket, and the ability to wait. I will be crushed if they say Feb 2011 or something though.
Any new VPP info here would be great, thanks.
#577 of 871 Re: 2011 qx 56 [tigerboo]
by sewellgsm
Aug 27, 2010 (4:38 pm)
I would wait on VPP too. You will get the vehicle at invoice once it is eligible. However, I have not heard anything about 30 days; once day supply starts to build up they will open it up. That will be a wait and see type thing.
I'll post anything I get that is official.
#578 of 871 Great Vehicle
by johnhw
Aug 28, 2010 (6:49 pm)
2011 Qx56 with entertainment/delux touring and technology package in black/black 4wd version with bench second row seat. Bought it from Sewell in Dallas. I have had 12 infinitis and this is my favorite. Great combination of refinement, power and luxury car feel in an SUV. Great experience with dealer as well, my first purchase from them after buying in Houston where I have lived until recently.
Infiniti reliablity and customer approach won me over initially along with quality for value. But though had some features I value more than the many other goodies. One is blindspot warning. I would buy this car again for its value, look and perfomance but the safety aspect of this one feature makes it a slam dunk for an older driver like me. There is a reason it is going for full MSRP for now, it is a good value at the price and demand is high for valid reasons. With this SUV, I dont need a luxury car, it is an SUV and luxury car all in one package, so saves me getting a third car.
A homerun on this one Infiniti, way to go and thanks
#579 of 871 Re: 2011 qx 56 [sewellgsm]
by onetomany
Aug 29, 2010 (10:35 am)
Just bought an '11 QX with Theater pkg, black w/ wheat for $3800 off MSRP....no trade. Best dealer experience I have had. I'm in hi-tech sales so I understand the art of negotiating. I knew what I wanted and what I was willing to pay (not MSRP) and called around till I got it. Wasn't a lowball offer...but fair. I do have access to VPP as well and was going to wait but I'm willing to pay a little more if the dealer is willing to work with me.
My QX was not on the lot but due in next week. I think the dealer was happy he didn't have to pay any flooring or deal with other dealers wanting to trade him for it. Plus Cash for Clunkers peaked in Aug last year so dealer Y/Y comparison is going to be rough. Good weekend to make a deal.
I'm in Northern CA, supply is very limited around here as well but each of the major dealers seem to be getting a handful of QX's a month.
#580 of 871 Re: 2011 qx 56 [onetomany]
by matsol
Aug 30, 2010 (6:50 pm)
Can you please let me know which dealership in northern california; I am looking for a 4WD with all options.
Thanks
#582 of 871 QX in Atlanta - just landed a good deal
by nbhandari
Sep 05, 2010 (8:08 am)
Just picked up the 2WD Mountain Sage/Wheat QX with Theater package and roof rails (dont need a 4WD here!). Ended up paying $800 over invoice which the Sales Manager was giving me a hard time for but I am in sales too so am used to it. The vehicle is beautiful and after comparing it to the Escalade and Lexus 570 (unless you are planning some serious off roading), there is no comparison on bang for the buck.
They are doing a 2.9% financing up to 60 months which is really great on this type of vehicle. Makes financing the car vs leasing it a no-brainer.
Hats off to Infiniti for finally figuring the Large SUV buyer out - we traded our 10 year old QX4 which we loved but at 150K miles we were ready
If you live in the ATL area - try Nalley Infiniti of Decatur first - they seem to be the most aggressive right now. Salesperson was great, and the sales manager was willing to work with me.
Good luck!
#583 of 871 wait and see
by h82bl8
Sep 06, 2010 (6:36 pm)
The dealers are having a field day with this Q56. It is indeed a really nice SUV but it is foolish to pay MSRP for this thing. Invoice plus a few hundred maybe. There are other SUVs in this category cutting good deals. They are playing it to the max. But.... just wait and give it a few months. They will be wheelin' and dealin' again. There isn't a huge market for a luxury SUV in this economy and Nissan/Infiniti knows it. When the lots start filling up, there is only one way the price will go and it's down. As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.
Toyota is playing the same game with their '10 4Runners. I was persistent enough and I ended up getting the deal I was looking for. Same with a GL450 that I purchased a year ago at well below invoice; persistence and patience paid off. I really want one of these but for now, I'm just gonna sit back and relax.