Ask the Car People.SM


Got a Quick Question for a Car Dealer?

3219 messages,  Last post on May 19, 2013 at 1:46 PM

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What is this discussion about? Car Buying, Car Selling

Messages Page 1 of 322

#1 of 3219 Got a Quick Question for a Car Dealer? by kirstie_h HOST

Sep 07, 2008 (4:57 am)

Got a question that you want a salesperson to answer? Post it here! Whether it's about the biz in general or a current deal, this is the place to ask.

#2 of 3219 Re: Got a Quick Question for a Car Dealer? [kirstie_h] by jipster

Sep 08, 2008 (5:12 am)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Sep 07, 2008 4:57 am)
Yeah baby... first post!
 
"Team Jipster" is first, as usual. That's why my team members pay the high monthly dues without complaint. They know El Capitanio is on the ball.
 
My quick question: define a good deal (nothing nutty like whatever makes the buyer happy either)

#3 of 3219 Am I going to get in trouble asking a sales question here? by keitha3

Sep 05, 2008 (8:22 pm)

Here's the situation. About a month ago, we bought a Honda from a salesperson who is truly a great guy, laid back, no pressure, a great sense of humor, and on and on. Well, I sent out a letter requesting dealer quotes on the 2008 Honda Accord six banger EX-L. The price I got back from the dealership was $25,200 including destination fee, a great price. Dropped by the dealer just to check out what was in stock.
 
However, I just didn't like the car that much, especially the lumbar support in the front seats. Somehow, wasn't crazy about any of the colors that were left over from 2008.
 
This is when we see, Don, the salesman. He walks on over remembering all our names and being warm and laid back as always. Tell him we're not buying, just looking. He doesn't mind. I know he hopes that we'll see something we like and buy it. Ask if he has any in white. He takes us to the showroom and shows us a beautiful pearl white (like the Acuras) 2009 6C EX-L , with chrome wheels, a chrome grill, and a spoiler. Interior is the blond color leather and I just love this car. All the cosmetic changes really do change the appearance and the lumbar support isn't nearly as stiff on the back. But, the thing is now $31,000 plus, a bit more than we wanted to spend.
 
I know we can probably get a better deal by going directly through the sales manager. But, I remember how nice the sales guys are at a suddenly dead forum at Car Space and just don't feel right about cutting Don out of the picture. Let's say the sales manager hypothetically gives us $1500 or so off the price. I have no idea as to whether he will or not...just speculating. However, he says Don would be out of the picture on the deal. No commission. Nothing.
 
Would it be offending if we just slipped Don something like $500 on the side. I know you're not him, but how would you guys react? Some would say we're stupid to just throw away money, but we really would be guilty leaving him out of the loop. He really is that nice of a guy.

#4 of 3219 Re: Am I going to get in trouble asking a sales question here? [keitha3] by driver100

Sep 06, 2008 (4:52 am)

Replying to: keitha3 (Sep 05, 2008 8:22 pm)
2008 Honda Accord six banger EX-L. The price I got back from the dealership was $25,200
 
 2009 6C EX-L , with chrome wheels, a chrome grill, and a spoiler. Interior is the blond color leather and I just love this car. All the cosmetic changes really do change the appearance and the lumbar support isn't nearly as stiff on the back. But, the thing is now $31,000
 
I am not a car sales person so I won't advise on that...I will give an opinion. First though, even $6000 more for a one year newer car and one that you really like is worth it. You won't be sorry 5 years from now.....it will cost less than $1000 a year for the car you really wanted, and if you keep it for 10 years a few hundred.
Now, as far as the salesman, and this is only as a buyer, and a past salesperson (not cars), I think you should try to work with the sales guy. Tell him you are prepared to pay $28,000 for the car hope to get it for $29,500 looks like - more would be a bonus). I think at that point you are being fair. If he doesn't come up with a satisfactory price I wouldn't feel guilty about going to another dealer. Another option would be to ask him if the sales manager could sit in on the conversation.
I give you a lot of credit for being fair to your salesperson...probably not too much of that these days. A good salesperson has helped you find the right car and he should be rewarded if at all possible - but he has to give you a satisfactory price too.

#5 of 3219 Re: Am I going to get in trouble asking a sales question here? [keitha3] by mikefm58

Sep 06, 2008 (6:13 am)

Replying to: keitha3 (Sep 05, 2008 8:22 pm)
Would it be offending if we just slipped Don something like $500 on the side
 
I'm not in sales, but this issue has been discussed before. It would be unethical for Don to accept the "$500 on the side" and if the SM found out Don accepted it, he would most likely fire Don.

#6 of 3219 Re: Am I going to get in trouble asking a sales question here? [mikefm58] by madmanmoo

Sep 06, 2008 (6:54 am)

Replying to: mikefm58 (Sep 06, 2008 6:13 am)
That's not entirely true, Mike. Just giving $500 to a salesperson is not unethical. If the salesperson is entirely cut out of the deal, then that $500 is a very nice gesture on the part of the customer. If she got the salesperson to do something for her and promised $500 to him for doing it, then that is unethical.
 
The way she presented the scenario, I don't think it would be an issue.

#7 of 3219 Re: Am I going to get in trouble asking a sales question here? [madmanmoo] by keitha3

Sep 06, 2008 (11:44 am)

Replying to: madmanmoo (Sep 06, 2008 6:54 am)
Thanks all for your feedback. I just didn't know what to do. Over breakfast, we decided to go through Don, if we were to get the vehicle.
 
But..................when we got back, there was a phone message from Don and an email from the sales manager stating that, as we'd bought two previous cars from them, they'd give us their internet price and still have Don receive his commission. The '09's are pretty much just out and they're offering $2400 off MSRP.
 
So, 2:00 is the test drive which I requested to be a pretty long one as I want to test out the VCM system as some are having problems with them.
 
Again, thanks fellas. Wish us luck!!!!

#8 of 3219 Re: Am I going to get in trouble asking a sales question here? [keitha3] by greanpea68

Sep 06, 2008 (1:36 pm)

Replying to: keitha3 (Sep 06, 2008 11:44 am)
But..................when we got back, there was a phone message from Don and an email from the sales manager stating that, as we'd bought two previous cars from them, they'd give us their internet price and still have Don receive his commission. The '09's are pretty much just out and they're offering $2400 off MSRP.
 
 
I didn't think they were not going to pay him his commision. It is screwed up thing they said that but hey I have seen crazier things. $500 is alot of money to give someone. I have recieved $100 from people when they know they grinded a great deal but $500 is a lot. If you really appreciate it just give a $50 gift card because I am sure his commision will be a mini probably $100.... But more importantly make sure you give him all excellents on the survey. Now that is a priceless gift
 
GP

#9 of 3219 Re: Am I going to get in trouble asking a sales question here? [greanpea68] by keitha3

Sep 06, 2008 (6:10 pm)

Replying to: greanpea68 (Sep 06, 2008 1:36 pm)
They gave him his full commission and us a great price. I really like that dealer. Even though the paper work is drudgery at its worst, they made the experience as nice as possible. And, best of all, during our freeway drive, I couldn't even tell the VCM was coming on and off, except for the light on the dash.
 
So, I'm a very happy camper.

#10 of 3219 Re: Am I going to get in trouble asking a sales question here? [greanpea68] by keitha3

Sep 06, 2008 (6:18 pm)

Replying to: greanpea68 (Sep 06, 2008 1:36 pm)

But more importantly make sure you give him all excellents on the survey. Now that is a priceless gift
 
See, now, there's a great reason to have the Stories From the Sales Frontline here. I honestly never knew how important the survey was until it was addressed on that forum. If I remember, they even dinged a salesperson when the showroom floor wasn't polished nicely. Unbelievable.
 
No, I'm sure Don has zero concerns about the survey he'll receive from me, the same he received last time...only the best and deservedly so.

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