The "I have to go see my manager" thing for any changes in the deal is generally a 'game' more than anything. They typically already know the answer, but if he just says "OK" right off the bat then you think there might be even more room to negotiate. If he 'has to go see (his) manager' then you think you're really pushing the limit and that he's having to go out of his way.

I mean I'm sure in some cases they really do have to talk to their manager, but you can bet that regardless of whether they actually need to or not, they'll go 'talk' to them just for the effect (and maybe to discuss sales strategy or whatnot).

 

oh, i can totally appreciate its teh 'game' - but come on, we sent him back 4 times... it was stupid.... all of it was over $150... but out of principal, i wanted that $150...

 

You obviously never worked in a car dealership as a salesman. The manager has the final say in the car deal. It is the managers responsibility to make as much money as possible. The salesman wants to sell a car at all costs. When you get to a certain point your salesman doesn't give a $hit what you buy the car for. The only person at a dealership that makes money is the owner. Why do you think each time you go into a dealership there are different salesmen there.

 

Looking for a new or low mile used vehicle is one of the biggest hassles that I have gone through. Dealing with the salesman going back and forth to his manager sucked.


The way I found my Silverado was through GM's online inventory, then I looked at the dealership's website (here's the actual link still up! link) and then I got more details through a friend that works in a Caddy dealership. I looked at the truck for the first time in person by myself on a sunday afternoon in the snow. In Oklahoma, all car dealerships are closed on sundays, so I was not bothered by anybody. I knew everything about the truck before ever contacting the dealership. I knew all the options, how long it had been sitting on the lot, what rebates/discounts were available, etc. I knew what the dealership had into the truck and what was a good price to get it for. Sticker price was $30,285 + dealer add-on options (tinted front windows, spray-in bed-liner, and a pinstripe) etc, got the price up to $31,495.

With the help of my dad, I went through my old bank to get a pretty decent interest rate (for my short credit history), so to the dealership it was basically like a cash deal. We got shafted on the trade it, but I was happy to see it go. They won't make money on that car...

I went in and spoke directly to the sales manager. he had a salesman show me the vehicle and take me on a test drive. I will have to admit that he was one of the most knowledgable of his product salesmen that I have ever dealt with, but I did stump him a few times. After the $890 trade-in, the total was $22,500. As you can see for the website ad I linked to earlier, the truck is well optioned, but not loaded. I was hoping that it would have OnStar, maybe XM radio, and either the Flex Fuel Capable 5.3L or the aluminum block 5.3L motor, but it has the regular iron block 295hp gas only motor. I think I got a pretty good deal.

If I keep the truck past the warranty, the original motor will be pulled, put into storage and replaced by something a bit larger and more powerful. But I am content with it for now. I got a billet grille off eBay for $35.50 shipped and put it on. I may put different bumpers and or wheels on it, but not for a while. My wife is actually wanting to put a different muffler on, but I got used to driving a quiet vehicle when I was driving her old 96 Olds LSS. Besides, my SS is loud enough for all 3 of our cars and the more money I put into the truck, the less money I'll be able to put into the SS.

 

 

I went to my local chevy dealership a few years back (I was 21 at the time) to look at a used SS they had on the lot, the saleman wouldn't even let my start the car, so a couple days later I went across the street to the Ford dealership and bought my Formula. They treated me so well at the Ford dealership, when my clutch started making noise a week after buying the car they took it in and replaced the clutch for free. The noise turned out to be the clutch rod vibrating on the fork, but I guess the previous owner rested their foot on the clutch to get rid of the noise and burned out the clutch. After buying my Formula I went back to the Chevy dealer and showed it to the sales manager, who I knew because through my familys buisness we have bought many cars from him, he wasn't very pleased with his saleman. I wouldn't say the dealership is a bad dealership, but that salesman sure was. The funny thing is I wasn't even seriously considering buying a car when I went to these dealerships, I was just browsing like I usally do but the guy at Ford was a really good salesman, maybe if I had been able to start that SS I'd driving it now.

 

Ian it was on marine, and I figure that maybe since GM is making new stuff and struggling, and my car probably retained a generous amount of its value, that I could maybe help GM and get a good deal at the same time.

WHich Honda dealer did you go to? Remember that some dealerships with cars in demand have the attitude that "Oh this car's in high demand, they will buy it reguardless of how we treat them."
Toyota has high demand but I got treated great, IMO. Especially cause I was 18 at the time. But of course I was with my dad and his friend and did pull up in a Jaguar.

Salespeople are all snakes. Google "confessions of a used car salesman" and you'll find out lots of interesting stuff (most of which you already probably know but more in depth)

Threxx is right about how they play around. THey go to the manager and make it like they're going through great lenghts for you. Meanwhile the manager is chewing them out and their job is on the line.
IMO you should have gone to the sales manager and told them that because of the way you were treated, you do not feel like a valued customer, or perhaps contact the manager/owner and tell them about the rude service.

 

Is that rumor later than this, from yesterday?
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=109734

 

C'mon, people... you just need to go into a dealership confident, with a little charisma, and dressed for success.

 

Just remember that a car dealer is Never doing you a favor. You go to them. You tell them what you want. You buy the car. You pay the money.

They are just there. Dont ever let them make you feel like they are doing YOU a favor.

No offense to the dealers of the board. I just have a problem with the attitude most dealers display.

 

Vancouver Honda, on marine (just east of the Oak Street bridge)

adn the service was just ignorant, once we got the guy, he was very helpful, and played along with us (we weren't being particularily nice, since we were ignored, and he was apologetic about that)... and they didnt know who was looking for hte car (i went with my dad when he bought his car, plus we're gonna upgrade for my mum soon, too...) - it seems to be the way now, i was in richmond honda, and you have to go and ask for a salesperson at reception, they will not come to you... i don't know if i like that or not?? i dont like being pushed, but then again, i would like to ask some qu's and not feel like i'm connected to this one salesperson if i do go out of my way to get one...

 

eaiest way is to dress/act the part. if you are looking at trucks, don't dress preppy or like a dork. if you're looking at vans....change your damn mind!!! lol i've gotten 2 BMW M3 test drives (brand new i might add) just by riding with my step brother to bmw dealer in his $6000 bmw 325i. when he ask's his manager, he's probably asking what the lowest they can go on that vehicle, and then trying to play with you to keep you away from that low price. I've test driven 3 brand new GMC's this year. each time dressing like a working guy, pulling up in my older truck. i had these guys thinking i was buying tomorrow. i wasn't, but hey i got to drive some nice trucks. have'nt quite figured out how to get the gto test drive yet... still working on it.

 

Posting that pic should earn you a suspension.

 

!!!

 

My mom had great experiences buying her 95 Blazer, 02 Trailblazer and then myself leasing my 06 Cobalt. All from the same dealer and I was of course present for all. Sounds like you guys need to find a non-commissioned dealership. Never been to a dealership with commissioned salesmen so I cant comment on experiences as far as that goes.