Let me know when you get pricing info, and we may just have to talk.

and I wouldn't have a trade in, Id probably put 5-10k down depending on what kinda rate I could get, but my credit currently sucks, so I may just take out the loan with my credit union.

 

Not a problem....PM me whenever you're ready. You'll see pricing info as fast as I will! Right now we have nothing on the Solstice...at all

 

Jason, you've restored a bit of respect in my mind for dealerships! Thanks for being realistic. I wish the dealers around Atlanta would take your position. If I find myself ready to be the "first on my block" for a new Solstice, I'm coming to see you.

 

Jason, how far from Springfield do you live?

 

no idea, never been there, im about 15 mins from Philly

 

What's going to keep the Saturn dealerships from marking up the sky's? Do they have a strict pricing policy or something? None of their past cars have generated enough excitement worthy of a markup, but the Sky just might change that. But if they force their dealers to sell it for no more than Msrp, go that route. If you're going to spend anything near 25k (or 23k for that matter) for the Pontiac, might as well get the better Saturn.

The whole gouging thing sucks, but that's a sad reality in this business. Greed is part of human nature i guess. Last i checked the local Ford dealership was asking 25k for a v6 coupe and a shade under 30k for a loaded GT. Every mustang they had carried a minimum $2,500 markup. Paying 25k for a v6 mustang coupe....rediculous . I didn't even bother test driving the GT i wanted to look into out of disguest.

 

I think Saturn's no-haggle pricing (everyone pays sticker) prevents dealers from marking up the product as part of the franchise agreement... but I could be wrong. I always assumed it was that way though.

But, you are correct... Saturn never had this issue before, because they just didn't have anything that would prompt a markup....

 

Saturn dealers have the "no haggle" policy. Which is great because I'd honestly much rather have the Sky anyway.

 

Same here. Even msrp to msrp, as great as the solstice is, i'd much rather plop down the extra 5k for the Sky. Better looks, better interior, better equipment list, and the list goes on.

That "no haggle" policy sounds good. Dumb gouging Pontiac dealership's are gonna be left scratching their heads and wondering why their 23k dollar solstices aren't selling as well as they should...all the while, the Sky version's flying off Saturn lots because consumers see that it is clearly the better value.

 

The thing Pontiac stealerships will have going for them is the ~5 month jump on the introduction of the Sky. So they will likely gouge for the first few months, by which time all the suckers will have been suckered and the Sky will come along to take the wind out of the Solstice's sales (sic).

 

Al,
Its funny you mention that...I actually bought a house in Springfield 10 months ago. My profile still says South Deerfield because that's where I live, in spirit anyway I like Springfield a lot, but its not the country...I'll probably live here 7-8 years or so and move back north to Deerfield when I make more $$$$ down the road...

25thTA,
Dealer markups are just an attempt to be a greedy bastard. Like I said, we sold 10 Firehawks in 2002...35 Firebirds total. Only the Hawks sold for MSRP, with all the other ones selling for around $1k over invoice. I never haggled, and never lost a sale. You treat people with decency, and the referrals and repeat business more than make up for the gross you lost. I made a great many friends ordering and selling all those Firebirds (I even sold a Formula to my dad!), and the warranty and service work alone made up for any margin lost. I felt guilty even selling the Hawks at MSRP...that's just how I am. Someday if I get the guts up enough to open my own car dealership, I plan to treat people the same way.

I honestly feel bad for anyone who is in the unfortunate position of needing to buy a car. When I bought the GP, I shopped around (I didn't work at my dealership for about 9 months in the last 4 years) 4-5 different Pontiac dealers. I am amazed at how little intelligence someone apparently needs to be "qualified" to sell a car. It was an experience I'll never forget, and I ended up waiting until my dealer took my GP in on trade just so I could go back to them!

 

Direct transcript of my last visit to the local Chevy dealer.

Sales Manager (Was a slow day): Hi, what can I do for you?
Me: Just lookin' around thanks.
SM: That your cop car outside?
Me: *chuckle* ya...
SM (Lower voice): It have the supercharged special pursuit package?
Me: Im gonna go over to the cadillac dealer...Thanks...

This, sadly, is also relevant to nearly everyone else in south Florida, car dealers or otherwise.

 

GM doesnt have to sell there solstice to dealers that are going to mark them up. All GM has to say is "If you mark up these cars you wont get another one ever" After my GTO (i paid 1500 less than sticker for it when it had been out for a month) I WILL NEVER BY ANOTHER NEW GM CAR AGAIN. There cars take the biggest freaking hits. Ill buy used from GM but that wont help them that much.

 

GM really NEEDS to do something about the mark ups that dealers are doing. I really fear for the future of GM performance vehicles if they continue this. And fear for our Camaro as well.

 

I loved buying my last two cars. I emailed all the dealers in Northern Cali and got great pricing because I made it clear to the dealers I knew exactly what I wanted, and with what options.
I did the same with the RSX when it first came out, and was able to get 200 above invoice, which in hindsight was a great deal for the car and its newness.