Why I hate car dealers - Part Deux

[SSearchVT]

I'm looking for a second vehicle and have it narrowed down to a Nissan Frontier Crew cab and a Honda Ridgeline. I like the looks of the Nissan (2005 and up) more, but won't pass up a great deal.

Honda Dealer - calls me about a 2007 Ridgeline RT he just got in. Certified pre-owned, 35k miles. On the first phone call - I am going to want an overnight test drive. I need to make sure it fits in my garage, holds my stuff, etc. Is this going to be a problem? "No Problem".

I show up, ask where I should park my car to keep it out of their way. The sales guy tosses me the keys to the Ridgeline and says to take it for a spin while he checks. It's in good shape - I pull back in. The sales guy walks me back to his desk, starts talking price. Um - I still need to do an overnight. "I'm sorry, we can't do that." "I'm leaving. You check with your manager and get back to me."

The next day he calls and tries to talk around the overnight, and hopes that this isn't a deal breaker. Small minor detail in my mind, except for his word not being worth crap. A few emails back and forth, he's not moving on the overnight. Remove my name from your folder...

Nissan Dealer - 2005 Frontier Crew cab they picked up at auction. They have no problem sending me home with it for a few days. Even had it detailed and full of gas. I live on a dirt road, and we're in mud season... I like the truck. I stop by the bank and get the loan paperwork taken care of for a home equity loan. Basically I'm walking in with a check in hand. I even look at the sales guy and joke - What are you going to do to sell me this truck TODAY?

They're asking $17,9. Looking at all of the car pricing sites and taking the average I find that Trade is $11,6, and Retail is $17,4. Realistically between the auction purchase and work they put into it (brakes, prep, etc) I guestimate they have about $11k into it...

My first offer - check in hand, OTD today - $14,5 (knowing it's going to get rejected). Go talk to the manager. The manager comes out and tells me how they're the number 1 dealer in Yada, yada, yada... They price them on the internet at what they feel are aggressive prices, and how they have more into the truck then I am offering, and after looking at it, they can give it a Nissan certified warranty. We can go $17,7 plus fees.

OK - The aftermarket warranty I wanted included was quoted at $1650. If you're giving it the Nissan warranty this would basically be double coverage. I'll essentially raise my original offer by $1650. $14,5 OTD today.

We want to work with you, and would love to see you in the truck. We have people calling from Maryland to look at this truck offering what we have it advertised for.

Oh, OK - I'm surprised the truck is still here. I'm here with a check in my hand, but I don't see $17,7+ in that truck... Are you saying that is the absolute lowest you can go?

Yes.

OK - Thanks, Bye...

So - the search continues...

[SVRACER01]

Wirelessly posted (Instinct: TELECA-/2.0 (BREW 3.1.5; U; EN-US; SAMSUNG; SPH-M800; Teleca/Q05A/INT) MMP/2.0 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1)

Personally, i think you may be being a little rough on them.
why not just drive the ridgeline to your house on the test drive? or is it a too far?
i guess i can see the frustration w/ nissan only coming down a few hundred bucks.
bottom line..if you dont NEED it.. then you can afford to wait. dealers hate that. i went through similar stuff when ive shopped for vehicles.

[SSearchVT]

I live 35 miles from the Honda dealer... So for me to drive up having been told one thing and have it change by the time I get there doesn't really sit too well...

I think I am both a dealers best and worst customer - I want a car, but don't need one. I'm buying a used one off their lot without a trade. I have cash in hand, so they know a deal won't get rejected because of finance - but, they don't make anything off financing...

[markbvt]

I think I am both a dealers best and worst customer

I know what you mean. My current car is a Scion tC (no-haggle pricing). I went to the local Toyota/Scion dealer in mid-summer, while the new-model-year cars were still on the boat. Put down a deposit on the one I wanted (base model with no options or accessories), waited for it to come in, then walked in with a cashier's check from my bank and drove out in the car. Haven't been back since. I do my own maintenance and buy what I need for the car at an auto parts store.

The dealership didn't have to expend any effort selling me a car aside from a test drive when I was first considering the tC, but they also made very little money off me.

Keep looking; go a little further from home if you need to. You'll find a deal you're happy with.

--mark

[Subee13]

The Frontier is a Ripoff... I have an 08 Nismo I bought new and got a remote start in the deal and I got that for 21k OTD in NH. I also bought it in 08 BRAND NEW. Car dealers are scum. Buy off a private party and be done with it.

[highsider]

Funny you should post this thread, I have another one to share.

My wife wanted a VW Eos. Badly. First, we went to the VW dealer here in Burlington. They had the car she wanted in the showroom, but it was the wrong color. She wanted to drive it to make sure she liked it, but understood when they said they didn't want to have to get it re-detailed for the showroom if it wasn't the one she wanted.

Instead, they brought out an automatic transmission Passat, which was nothing like a manual shift Eos. They said it was the best they could do.

After driving a couple of "similar" models, she said eff it and wanted to order an Eos. They said they would call us. They never did.

We found one in upstate NY that was exactly what she wanted - leather seats, 6-speed manual, better sound system, etc. I called the dealer and made them an offer, which included a trade. They were perfectly happy with the trade - wanted it, in fact - and we agreed on a price. I told them I would be down the following day with my trade and a check.

Oh no, they said. You have to finance it with us, or that deal is no good.

We ended up buying from Martin Nemer VW in Latham, NY - a three hour drive from our house - and couldn't have been happier. No BS, no stupid "doc fees", just pay us $32k plus tax and drive your car home. On our dealer plate until you get it registered. Oh, and here are some free rubber floor mats for winter.

Car dealer suck.


PS - was the dealer you had the troubles with The Automaster in Shelburne? That place has gone well downhill of late.

[ssg]

What are they asking for the Ridgeline?

That Ridgeline is a Honda CPO vehicle and overnighting it will not occur. Show up on Saturday AM and tell them you want to keep it all day and you'll bring it back by close. They won't have a problem with that unles the "35k" is really "35,800" miles. The salesman probably wasn't thinking when he agreed to it, cut him some slack.

Buy the Ridgeline, be happy - call it a day. I still miss my RTS extremely, best vehicle I've ever owned.


That asking price might be ok for a Fronty that's sat on the lot for 5 years, but if that thing's actually been driven F that. Buddy of mine just got a nicely loaded 07 extended cab IIRC for a sneeze above your offering price.

[cdseven95]

Funny you should post this thread, I have another one to share.

My wife wanted a VW Eos. Badly. First, we went to the VW dealer here in Burlington. They had the car she wanted in the showroom, but it was the wrong color. She wanted to drive it to make sure she liked it, but understood when they said they didn't want to have to get it re-detailed for the showroom if it wasn't the one she wanted.

Instead, they brought out an automatic transmission Passat, which was nothing like a manual shift Eos. They said it was the best they could do.

After driving a couple of "similar" models, she said eff it and wanted to order an Eos. They said they would call us. They never did.

We found one in upstate NY that was exactly what she wanted - leather seats, 6-speed manual, better sound system, etc. I called the dealer and made them an offer, which included a trade. They were perfectly happy with the trade - wanted it, in fact - and we agreed on a price. I told them I would be down the following day with my trade and a check.

Oh no, they said. You have to finance it with us, or that deal is no good.

We ended up buying from Martin Nemer VW in Latham, NY - a three hour drive from our house - and couldn't have been happier. No BS, no stupid "doc fees", just pay us $32k plus tax and drive your car home. On our dealer plate until you get it registered. Oh, and here are some free rubber floor mats for winter.

Car dealer suck.


PS - was the dealer you had the troubles with The Automaster in Shelburne? That place has gone well downhill of late.

I didn't realize those eos were so much..

[highsider]

I didn't realize those eos were so much..

Me either. Damn wife.

[butcher bergs]

Oh no, they said. You have to finance it with us, or that deal is no good.

In other words, "if you don't let us make up the difference through financing with a crazy interest rate attached...."

[crowspeed07]

Going through the same b.s. now looking for a used truck or car. And i love the same story we have tons of people looking but its still sitting and you call me 2-4 times a day about it..

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

Buy the ridgeline its a good car. I have no complaints and wou;d buy it again tommorow.

Home equity loan?

30 year loan for a car?

[SSearchVT]

Buy the ridgeline its a good car. I have no complaints and wou;d buy it again tommorow.

Home equity loan?

30 year loan for a car?

The term on the home equity loan is 5 years, the rate is 5.63%, and the interest can be reported on my taxes as a deduction.

[dhuze]

Theres no way in hell that dealer bought that truck at auction for almost retail value only to sell it above retail. I'd have walked too.

[SSearchVT]

Theres no way in hell that dealer bought that truck at auction for almost retail value only to sell it above retail. I'd have walked too.

I'm not an expert on vehicle pricing or car sales - but I have a feeling if I signed on the line for $17,7 plus they would have been doing high fives with each other as they saw the tailgate pull out of their lot...

[SSearchVT]

Funny you should post this thread, I have another one to share.

My wife wanted a VW Eos. Badly. First, we went to the VW dealer here in Burlington. They had the car she wanted in the showroom, but it was the wrong color. She wanted to drive it to make sure she liked it, but understood when they said they didn't want to have to get it re-detailed for the showroom if it wasn't the one she wanted.

Instead, they brought out an automatic transmission Passat, which was nothing like a manual shift Eos. They said it was the best they could do.

After driving a couple of "similar" models, she said eff it and wanted to order an Eos. They said they would call us. They never did.

We found one in upstate NY that was exactly what she wanted - leather seats, 6-speed manual, better sound system, etc. I called the dealer and made them an offer, which included a trade. They were perfectly happy with the trade - wanted it, in fact - and we agreed on a price. I told them I would be down the following day with my trade and a check.

Oh no, they said. You have to finance it with us, or that deal is no good.

We ended up buying from Martin Nemer VW in Latham, NY - a three hour drive from our house - and couldn't have been happier. No BS, no stupid "doc fees", just pay us $32k plus tax and drive your car home. On our dealer plate until you get it registered. Oh, and here are some free rubber floor mats for winter.

Car dealer suck.


PS - was the dealer you had the troubles with The Automaster in Shelburne? That place has gone well downhill of late.

I gave up years ago on the Audi dealer in Burlington. I'm amazed they are still in business. From what I hear they haven't improved since changing owners.

Unfortunately it was the Automaster. I've had good dealings in the past - this one though has left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth...

[Stoneman]

When I was looking at trucks, I was INCREDIBLY disappointed with the Frontier. True to dipshit saleslug form, I was actually shopping FULL SIZE trucks at the time. How he got me to take the Frontier for a spin is beyond me. I was out for like, 5 minutes. Brought it back & told him I wanted to talk about big boy. For 20 minutes all he did was try to talk me OUT of it and into the Frontier...

I wouldn't budge on your offer on the Nissan. An '05 for THAT kinda cake? Fuck that! I picked up a brand new Silverado (four door, LT All Star Edition - LOTS of bells & whistles) for $25K, just for comparo. And they gave me a little over $1K MORE than what my trade was worth (Murano)...

Shop around, be patient. Those idiots count on people being desparate and you 'needing' more than 'wanting'. Make them play your game, not the other way around...

[SSearchVT]

Shop around, be patient. Those idiots count on people being desparate and you 'needing' more than 'wanting'. Make them play your game, not the other way around...

When I first sat down with the sales guy I asked him what he was seeing for rates on 4 and 5 year loans so I could compare them to what I could get on a HEL. He cupped his hands, looked across the desk and said:

"We like to work from payments. The math gets a little confusing on a car loan if we work from rates..."

"I think I've got the math covered..."

The dealer called last night to let me know they have had a few people looking at the truck and had an offer higher than mine. Oh, so why haven't you sold it to them??? Apparently not the response he was expecting...

[Stoneman]

When I first sat down with the sales guy I asked him what he was seeing for rates on 4 and 5 year loans so I could compare them to what I could get on a HEL. He cupped his hands, looked across the desk and said:

"We like to work from payments. The math gets a little confusing on a car loan if we work from rates..."

"I think I've got the math covered..."

The dealer called last night to let me know they have had a few people looking at the truck and had an offer higher than mine. Oh, so why haven't you sold it to them??? Apparently not the response he was expecting...

HA! An offer higher than yours? And he's calling you? Makes perfect sense! That's desperation, right there. And an incredibly lame & outdated technique...

[Wishbone]

When I first sat down with the sales guy I asked him what he was seeing for rates on 4 and 5 year loans so I could compare them to what I could get on a HEL. He cupped his hands, looked across the desk and said:

"We like to work from payments. The math gets a little confusing on a car loan if we work from rates..."

"I think I've got the math covered..."

The dealer called last night to let me know they have had a few people looking at the truck and had an offer higher than mine. Oh, so why haven't you sold it to them??? Apparently not the response he was expecting...

I love when they want to talk price of the vehicle with your trade figured in already. And why is it they always want to find out what you want to pay monthly? How hard is it to just give me the price of a vehicle?


The last time I dealt with dealerships was helping a friend find a new truck. His main reason for an upgrade was his silverado didn't have all the bells and whistles it could have. So he wanted a used titan or tundra. The nissan dealer wanted to sell him a brand new titan that was stripped down, but then give it to their guys to make the seats leather and cut in a sun roof!?!?!?!?! WTF? Really?

[Wild.Bill]

When I first sat down with the sales guy I asked him what he was seeing for rates on 4 and 5 year loans so I could compare them to what I could get on a HEL. He cupped his hands, looked across the desk and said:

"We like to work from payments. The math gets a little confusing on a car loan if we work from rates..."

"I think I've got the math covered..."

The dealer called last night to let me know they have had a few people looking at the truck and had an offer higher than mine. Oh, so why haven't you sold it to them??? Apparently not the response he was expecting...

Have some fun and call him back and tell him that you want to work with him and offer less than where you started.

[SSearchVT]

Have some fun and call him back and tell him that you want to work with him and offer less than where you started.

They called me twice yesterday and asked if I have had time to think about the truck. Still coming in at $17,7 plus. I'm sorry, I don't see that in the truck. I'm seeing $15,5 OTD.

The next time they call and say anything over $17 - my offer goes to $15,4 OTD, and goes down $100 with every call after that... That truck could be worth $17,7 - but they would have to put a stack of $100 bills in the glove box to do it.

I also took a really nice Acura MDX for a ride today. Not a pickup, but a really nice SUV...

[highsider]

I love when they want to talk price of the vehicle with your trade figured in already. And why is it they always want to find out what you want to pay monthly? How hard is it to just give me the price of a vehicle?

That's one of their favorite tricks. "Overvalue" your trade against their asking price, and any discount you were looking for gets washed in the difference.

SSearch - I dont know exactly what you're looking at, but we dealt with a guy named Wayne at Goss Dodge that was the straightest shooter I've ever met at a car lot. He wouldn't play any of the stupid games, and was a really super nice guy, sales was his retirement gig.

Just wish I could have talked myself and the wife into that Dodge Challenger we drove....

[tonyd]

Shit I have a Nissan Titan king cab with Line-X bedliner and matching fiberglass cap 42,000 miles, Its been a great truck but I would sell you for $17000 and still feel like I was raping you.
If that sounds at all sexy to you let me know, maybe we can work something out.


Edit, it's a 2004

[tls25rs]

If you want to pay cash but avoid the dealer crying about you not financing it through them try this.

It's kind of a round about way to do it but you could always work out the price with them, let them get you financed, at a good rate that you think you deserve but making them think they are getting the back end money, then pay off the loan at the first payment.

Most banks will negate the kick back that they give to the dealer if you do this and it shouldn't cost you anything in finance charges if done on the first payment. You have to make sure there are no prepayment fees to the buyer in the loan documents but if you do this you will get the deal you want for the price, the dealer will think they are making kick back money but wont be and you will have the car for the price you wanted without listening to them complain about not financing through them.