Why is buying a car so hard/insulting?

[mfer]

All the games are ridiculous. I really want to tell the salesman, "You know I'm not as dumb as you think I am." The "dealer add's" are ludicrous. The fake trade in values with inflated prices. Dealer saying "Oh that stuff you read on the internet isn't true."

Ok, I understand there is some BS out there, but edmunds, truecar, etc.

At the end of the day, he is agreeing with my price, but it just ticks me off. I don't think I'll buy from him, just b/c it is insulting.

Ok, I feel a little better now.

[swils8610]

I've been running car dealerships for 20+ years. Not all dealerships are like that. If your not comfortable with salesman or figures take your business elsewhere.

[daunwaun]

Originally Posted by swils8610

I've been running car dealerships for 20+ years. Not all dealerships are like that. If your not comfortable with salesman or figures take your business elsewhere.

[mfer]

Originally Posted by swils8610

I've been running car dealerships for 20+ years. Not all dealerships are like that. If your not comfortable with salesman or figures take your business elsewhere.

I know you aren't all bad, but this guy was. They said they'd give me "X" for trade in. I was shocked and even said, that is high. Then I said, forget the trade in, I'll just keep it for a third car. His new price was like 1/3 of "X" price. I understand he needs to make money, just be upfront with me. It is insulting to think someone can't do basic math.

[Desibaba]

Originally Posted by swils8610

I've been running car dealerships for 20+ years. Not all dealerships are like that. If your not comfortable with salesman or figures take your business elsewhere.

Hey. I noticed you have a lot of experience in the car business and I was hoping you could give me some advice. I started working in the car business in 2010 at CarMax. There we didn't have finance managers so we had to spin our own deals and sold the extended warranty, GAP, loJack etc along with the car. The pay plan at CarMax sucked so I went to Toyota then Mercedes and now I work at the world's largest volume Lexus dealership.

I have sold almost every product that the finance guys currently sell when I was at CarMax but I was never officially a finance manager. My warranty penetration was over 90 percent which wasn't an easy thing to do at CarMax since we sold all products individually and couldn't go to the desk to ask for a "Nickel" or a "Dime" to help us sell our products.

My question is how do I convince my finance director and GSM to give me a shot at F&I. I'm even willing to do all cash deals first if they can just give me shot while I sell cars also.

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

Hey. I noticed you have a lot of experience in the car business and I was hoping you could give me some advice. I started working in the car business in 2010 at CarMax. There we didn't have finance managers so we had to spin our own deals and sold the extended warranty, GAP, loJack etc along with the car. The pay plan at CarMax sucked so I went to Toyota then Mercedes and now I work at the world's largest volume Lexus dealership.

I have sold almost every product that the finance guys currently sell when I was at CarMax but I was never officially a finance manager. My warranty penetration was over 90 percent which wasn't an easy thing to do at CarMax since we sold all products individually and couldn't go to the desk to ask for a "Nickel" or a "Dime" to help us sell our products.

My question is how do I convince my finance director and GSM to give me a shot at F&I. I'm even willing to do all cash deals first if they can just give me shot while I sell cars also.

Interesting wordage, coming from a current car salesman. You could see why some are less than thrilled with the whole car buying merry-go-round.....

[Desibaba]

Originally Posted by Knappo 1307

Interesting wordage, coming from a current car salesman. You could see why some are less than thrilled with the whole car buying merry-go-round.....

Its like any other business that's there to make money. If you don't like negotiating on your trade, new car or APR then go to CarMax. The problem is 9 times out of 10 you WILL pay more there. CarMax is selling used 2015 Lexus models with 10-20k miles for more than what I could sell you a brand new 2016 Lexus for.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by Knappo 1307

Interesting wordage, coming from a current car salesman. You could see why some are less than thrilled with the whole car buying merry-go-round.....

..... If a customer chooses to add additional products to their purchase why would that be seen as something less than thrilling???

Just about every single retail outlet tries to sell you a warranty on the product you are purchasing. Sears, Home Depot, Best Buy, Walmart, Furniture Stores, etc... So why would purchasing additional products i.e. warranties on your significantly large purchase be an issue.

I really hate belly aching.

What ever happened to negotiating your best deal?

We all do it: case in point WATCHES

When was the last time someone went in and paid full price for a watch?

No you go and negotiate your best deal or buy third party through a trusted seller. Buying third party through a trusted seller is the equivalent of using a broker to buy a car.


There was one manufacturer that tried the fixed price no haggle point of sale on new cars---oh wait they're out of business. Face it: People like to negotiate. Who makes a large purchase and says okay to the first number?

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by Watchflair

..... If a customer chooses to add additional products to their purchase why would that be seen as something less than thrilling???

Just about every single retail outlet tries to sell you a warranty on the product you are purchasing. Sears, Home Depot, Best Buy, Walmart, Furniture Stores, etc... So why would purchasing additional products i.e. warranties on your significantly large purchase be an issue.

I really hate belly aching.

What ever happened to negotiating your best deal?

We all do it: case in point WATCHES

When was the last time someone went in and paid full price for a watch?

No you go and negotiate your best deal or buy third party through a trusted seller. Buying third party through a trusted seller is the equivalent of using a broker to buy a car.


There was one manufacturer that tried the fixed price no haggle point of sale on new cars---oh wait they're out of business. Face it: People like to negotiate. Who makes a large purchase and says okay to the first number?

Certainly wasn't "Belly Aching", and absolutely nothing wrong with negotiating. My point was many people don't like the whole back and forth to the sale manager, waiting, and then piling on extras after a deal is made ie: gap insurance, different types of extended warranties. As far as your comparison of buying a watch, to buying a car, I'e never had a bad experience ever buying a Watch and never had to wait around for hours while the salesperson had to go speak to a manager about a discount. Maybe I've just been lucky, but the comparison of buying a watch to buying a car is not a good one. IMHO...

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Watchflair

.....


There was one manufacturer that tried the fixed price no haggle point of sale on new cars---oh wait they're out of business. Face it: People like to negotiate. Who makes a large purchase and says okay to the first number?

That manufacturer (Saturn) had a bad product. They wouldn't have succeeded selling that product anyway.

People aren't accustomed to negotiating anything. Do you negotiate at the grocery store? WalMart? Gas station? Doctors office? The vast majority of car buyers are not accustomed to negotiating a purchase and are not on even ground with a dealer who manipulates buyers for a living.

The negotiation isn't the point of this thread though. It's the environment the dealer puts you in. All the overhead add on fees, stupid games to manipulate the buyer, and the perception you get that you're being taken for a ride create a frustrating experience for many car buyers.

[Wesley Crusher]

Buying a car doesn't have to be difficult. Your first mistake is walking into the dealership and negotiating with a salesman.

Do your research and know how much you should pay for the car you want. Email the online sales manager of a few dealerships and let them know the car that you want and how much you're willing to pay. If they can meet your price, you will go in and buy it that day.

I told my dad to do that with his last car purchase and it worked. No hassle. I recently gave the same advice to a coworker and it worked great for him, too.

[swils8610]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Buying a car doesn't have to be difficult. Your first mistake is walking into the dealership and negotiating with a salesman.

Do your research and know how much you should pay for the car you want. Email the online sales manager of a few dealerships and let them know the car that you want and how much you're willing to pay. If they can meet your price, you will go in and buy it that day.

I told my dad to do that with his last car purchase and it worked. No hassle. I recently gave the same advice to a coworker and it worked great for him, too.

Good advice.

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Buying a car doesn't have to be difficult. Your first mistake is walking into the dealership and negotiating with a salesman.

Do your research and know how much you should pay for the car you want. Email the online sales manager of a few dealerships and let them know the car that you want and how much you're willing to pay. If they can meet your price, you will go in and buy it that day.

I told my dad to do that with his last car purchase and it worked. No hassle. I recently gave the same advice to a coworker and it worked great for him, too.

Yeah, I'm doing that now. I know what I was willing to pay going in.

[Rock]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Do your research and know how much you should pay for the car you want. Email the online sales manager of a few dealerships and let them know the car that you want and how much you're willing to pay.

It's a long time since I bought a new car. I just had a look at a leading dealership here but can't see any suggestion that it's possible to email the Sales Mgr. This option may not be possible here.

Wes, When you say "research", what in particular are you thinking about?
In other words, how do you find out what a reasonable price is.

[sickened1]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Do your research and know how much you should pay for the car you want. Email the online sales manager of a few dealerships and let them know the car that you want and how much you're willing to pay. If they can meet your price, you will go in and buy it that day.

Yup, did that for the past 2 purchases. One in 2009 for my wife's car and then again, in 2013 for my car (both Honda). Never the same salesperson though. For some reason, their turnover rate is pretty high for salesperson at this particular dealership. We'll do the same thing again next time when it's time for an upgrade.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by sickened1

Yup, did that for the past 2 purchases. One in 2009 for my wife's car and then again, in 2013 for my car (both Honda). Never the same salesperson though. For some reason, their turnover rate is pretty high for salesperson at this particular dealership. We'll do the same thing again next time when it's time for an upgrade.

Often around here sales-teams move from dealership to dealership depending on their effectiveness/worn-out-welcome. Plus sales is a zero-sum game you make your numbers or you move on.

[Rondineli]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Buying a car doesn't have to be difficult. Your first mistake is walking into the dealership and negotiating with a salesman.

Do your research and know how much you should pay for the car you want. Email the online sales manager of a few dealerships and let them know the car that you want and how much you're willing to pay. If they can meet your price, you will go in and buy it that day.

I told my dad to do that with his last car purchase and it worked. No hassle. I recently gave the same advice to a coworker and it worked great for him, too.

This.
Also check fightingchance.com I have used they services/methodology and it works.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Buying a car doesn't have to be difficult. Your first mistake is walking into the dealership and negotiating with a salesman.

Do your research and know how much you should pay for the car you want. Email the online sales manager of a few dealerships and let them know the car that you want and how much you're willing to pay. If they can meet your price, you will go in and buy it that day.

I told my dad to do that with his last car purchase and it worked. No hassle. I recently gave the same advice to a coworker and it worked great for him, too.

there is no fun or joy in that. i make it a game. like my last lease. they told me 430 a month when i started. i got down to 350 and settled it there. i think they just hope a sucker walks in and agrees to the first price.

[pacific17]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Buying a car doesn't have to be difficult. Your first mistake is walking into the dealership and negotiating with a salesman.

Do your research and know how much you should pay for the car you want. Email the online sales manager of a few dealerships and let them know the car that you want and how much you're willing to pay. If they can meet your price, you will go in and buy it that day.

I told my dad to do that with his last car purchase and it worked. No hassle. I recently gave the same advice to a coworker and it worked great for him, too.

Thanks for the advice! I will remember this when the time comes again.

[swils8610]

There are some bad dealers out there too. Shop around a bit.

[mfer]

I just changed the title of the thread to hard/insulting. I guess I'm more insulted than anything.

[UNLVino]

I have an awesome auto broker - she charges small flat fee, but saves you at least 3x that in time / money savings. PM me I'll give you her contact info if you want.

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by swils8610

I've been running car dealerships for 20+ years. Not all dealerships are like that. If your not comfortable with salesman or figures take your business elsewhere.

Shannon, no offence meant by this but I've been walking into dealerships for 40 years and have yet to find one that make this process easy. I'm convinced that almost all are like this. I understand the process of negotiation and that dealers rely on it to improve their margins as best they can but it would have been nice to have at least one over the years just come back with their best deal on the first attempt.

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Buying a car doesn't have to be difficult. Your first mistake is walking into the dealership and negotiating with a salesman.

Do your research and know how much you should pay for the car you want. Email the online sales manager of a few dealerships and let them know the car that you want and how much you're willing to pay. If they can meet your price, you will go in and buy it that day.

I told my dad to do that with his last car purchase and it worked. No hassle. I recently gave the same advice to a coworker and it worked great for him, too.

Originally Posted by UNLVino

I have an awesome auto broker - she charges small flat fee, but saves you at least 3x that in time / money savings. PM me I'll give you her contact info if you want.

Both of these 2 suggestions are the way I now do it and they are so much better.

[swils8610]

You could make it easy and pay sticker and take the low offer on your trade!!! Lol. Kidding of course. Do research on the Internet. Truthfully the Internet has changed the car biz big time in recent years. Invoice cost and dealer kick backs are easy tot look up as is trade value. It's really become a customer service industry. Price being the same its about who will treat you the best. Cheers.

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by swils8610

You could make it easy and pay sticker and take the low offer on your trade!!! Lol. Kidding of course. Do research on the Internet. Truthfully the Internet has changed the car biz big time in recent years. Invoice cost and dealer kick backs are easy tot look up as is trade value. It's really become a customer service industry. Price being the same its about who will treat you the best. Cheers.

[Dashimmy]

Customer:"What do you think I am, stupid!"

Salesman:"Well, we got to test you first!"

[GB-man]

Have to agree with Wes. Once you walk in the door you open yourself for a world of pain. Bought my last car from a dealership 5 hours away because they were upfront and happily ordered my car at 500 over invoice before incentives.

I once had a salesman tell me, "nobody wants to sell an s5" I said really I thought this was a car dealership and you sold cars for a living

[Headshrinker]

Just be an educated consumer and be willing to walk if you feel you are being mistreated. It is just that simple.

[Knappo 1307]

Remember, they are in business to make money. Ultimately, you have to decide what you are comfortable paying and go with that. That said, all my deals are done over the phone and at my terms or I move on.

[allprettythings]

I have bought 3 cars on my own and have never had a problem. With my first RR I did my due diligence went with a hard number and had no problem telling them I would walk if they made the process more difficult then it should be. My dealership is wonderful and they have me as a client for life.