What a dreadful day at the dealership
12-31-2017, 11:30 AM
#41
There's a local to me Chev. dealer Classic Chev. in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas that I may run my new 2017 C7 vert by to basically thumb my nose at the sales rep. I already sent a photo of me closing the handshake deal in front of the Chev. dealer I bought it from, to this high and mighty jacka** on the radio every Saturday morning. This guy basically went berserk in his return email to me. 
12-31-2017, 11:37 AM
#42
Instructor
I think that your offer was a reasonable offer for starting a negotiation. We've all had our pleasant and unpleasant dealings with car dealers. I can tell you that the pleasant stories have earned my return business times over, while the unpleasant ones have spread very negatively by word of mouth and cost a few sales. I would definitely write a letter to the General Manager and/or owner in a very professional and factual manner, devoid of excess emotion. Maybe he just had a bad day or days, but if he's a real butthole, he will eventually get what he deserves.
12-31-2017, 11:49 AM
#43
Race Director
100%! It is so much easier to pick up the phone and order a car, exactly what you want! Did that again with my Grand Sport. Spent 15 minutes on the phone with Kerbeck and another 15 calling dealers in my area who would accept Courtesy Delivery! Found one who did it for $250, not a penny more. To bad that doesn't work with used cars!
OP Was Right to Try!
Assume the only thing the OP was frustrated about is he didn't get the car! The dealer will sell it for what he wants! I recall one negation for a 2 year old CJ5 I bought some years ago. I was firm on what I would pay and the salesman after talking with the sales manager then the dealership owner reluctantly met my offer.
I was a small town and I said to the salesman, I'm sorry you had to go through all that trouble! He said after previously crying they were making no money said, "NEVER FEEL SORRY FOR A CAR DEALER! WE DIDN'T HAVE TO SELL IT IF WE WERE NOT SATISFIED!"
But dealers have no problem low-balling you if you are trying to trade-in your car. When I sold my 13GS in Aug 2014, I was told it was being shipped to Arizona because it would be tough to sell in the Utah winter. A little over 3 years later I find the car for sale 17 miles away.I've had dealers keep my car keys because I wouldn't agree to their "deal". Wouldn't let me leave the dealership until I threatened to call the police.
A dealer will be glad to mark down your trade in for anything in the world. Tires half worn, a small scratch, chip on the windshield, etc. Everything they would call normal wear and tear.
$60k used cars are a tough sell to begin with especially when new car prices for the exact same car are falling like rocks. Even dealers have trouble keeping up with the high depreciation of a newer Corvette.
I have seen some idiot buyers though, test drive the whole fleet but then say they are not interested to begin with.
I probably would have offered $62k also, knowing that my goal for the price would be around $64k which is fair for that car.
12-31-2017, 12:33 PM
#44
One of my first questions; "Is your price negotiable?"
If not, and price is more than what I want to pay, I move on.
If yes, the I tell them what I am willing to pay and see if they will meet it.
My Camaro was that way. I gave the price I wanted to pay, they countered. I explained I do not like bargaining and had given my best offer, thanked them for their time and left. They called me before I got 10 minutes away. They even got me a loan at an interest rate a point better than I had lined up. did not expect it and told them what I had so they could meet it if they wanted as my understanding is they get something back for going through their lenders.
If not, and price is more than what I want to pay, I move on.
If yes, the I tell them what I am willing to pay and see if they will meet it.
My Camaro was that way. I gave the price I wanted to pay, they countered. I explained I do not like bargaining and had given my best offer, thanked them for their time and left. They called me before I got 10 minutes away. They even got me a loan at an interest rate a point better than I had lined up. did not expect it and told them what I had so they could meet it if they wanted as my understanding is they get something back for going through their lenders.
12-31-2017, 12:47 PM
#45
Melting Slicks
Lol, from my experience a “dick’ attitude is usually in response to a “dick” attitude.
I just negotiated a car purchase online with a car dealer. I knowingly made a lowball offer and his emailed response was...the lowest we can go is x amount of dollars. I accomplished my goal and he responded accordingly in a matter of 30 minutes without me stepping foot in the dealership. No fuss, no mess and no waste of time for either party.
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12-31-2017, 01:01 PM
#46
Racer
Thread Starter
Bottom line is I think the manager could’ve portrayed himself a little bit better especially on his attitude. (Yes it is a Chevy dealership) I lived in Dallas, Texas we have company called
Sewell and those folks Truely understands what is genuine customer service.
The Manager did mention there was another local corvette dealership bid on the car for 65k, said if this car is not sold by next week then is outta here.
Sewell and those folks Truely understands what is genuine customer service.
The Manager did mention there was another local corvette dealership bid on the car for 65k, said if this car is not sold by next week then is outta here.
12-31-2017, 01:03 PM
#47
Instructor
Hello everyone thanks for visiting my post, I was just at the dealership today to check out a used 2016 Z06,
LT3 package, Z07 performance, competition seats.
Let me tell you this car is loaded, had 14k miles asking $66,400.
I know I had to work a deal so I shoot an offer of 62k, moments later used car sales manager comes in and asked “Are you serious about buying a car” then he chewed me out with an attitude because of my offers. He went on and said the NADA trade in value at 75k and bank will loan 125% of that. He then questions me “how did you came up with that numbers it is from the sky”. From this point on I felt wow What a genuine customer service, I literally
LT3 package, Z07 performance, competition seats.
Let me tell you this car is loaded, had 14k miles asking $66,400.
I know I had to work a deal so I shoot an offer of 62k, moments later used car sales manager comes in and asked “Are you serious about buying a car” then he chewed me out with an attitude because of my offers. He went on and said the NADA trade in value at 75k and bank will loan 125% of that. He then questions me “how did you came up with that numbers it is from the sky”. From this point on I felt wow What a genuine customer service, I literally
Felt like I was given a parenthood lessons. At the end he Reinstated that “the Internet price is the final price, do you want to buy it”. I shake my head then he took all the paper documents away from me and leave the room with a quote
”stop wasting my time”. Even the salesman apologize about his manager reaction. I now understands why people are dreadful with purchasing a vehicle.
”stop wasting my time”. Even the salesman apologize about his manager reaction. I now understands why people are dreadful with purchasing a vehicle.
12-31-2017, 01:08 PM
#48
Melting Slicks
The Power of the feet is a strong force... However, if they call you back that means they were the first to 'blink' / cave. So... why not go back and check out what they have to say/offer ? Don't get emotional. It's a $ transaction and $ + emotional reaction NEVER = you're best interest. Someone, who is worth a helluva lot more $ than I am once said they never do (invest time or money in) anything that does not benefit them. Even it it's revenge...
Also, not trading in (selling it yourself or through a broker is best. Separate the transactions. They will offer a good price on the car they're selling but get you on the trade in.
Also, 0% financing is BS too because of the same combo principle. i.e. you can get 0% financing on an new car but you won't get any factory discounts or negotiate a lower price. The price advertised is the price you pay. Now, you think they are doing that and NOT making $ on the deal ??? Take the finance rate on a loan you source yourself and figure out how much the $ difference is (for the first 3 years) on that from the amount of the discount you didn't get.
Also, not trading in (selling it yourself or through a broker is best. Separate the transactions. They will offer a good price on the car they're selling but get you on the trade in.
Also, 0% financing is BS too because of the same combo principle. i.e. you can get 0% financing on an new car but you won't get any factory discounts or negotiate a lower price. The price advertised is the price you pay. Now, you think they are doing that and NOT making $ on the deal ??? Take the finance rate on a loan you source yourself and figure out how much the $ difference is (for the first 3 years) on that from the amount of the discount you didn't get.
Agreed. I originally visited a Chevy dealer closest to my house to buy a Corvette. They tried to get me on the trade and the new car. They kind of treated me like I was crazy. The cherry on the sundae was that the sales guy calls me literally five minutes after I leave the dealership and offers me $5k more for my trade and asks if that would change my mind. I didn’t even bother to get into it with him and declined. I ended up buying a second car, a 135is, and keeping my trade, not buying a Corvette.
It pays to shop around and have patience. A year later, and with over 20,000 more miles on my trade, I got a better trade in price (by $500) and paid less for a 2017 2LT than what I was originally offered for a 2016 1LT at the original dealer. I still had to haggle a little via text and phone but got it done.
Coincidentally, I actually got a call from the original dealer’s new sales manager while I was in the middle of negotiating the 2017 Vette. I explained the experience and that I wouldn’t consider buying from them again. He followed up a few weeks later to verify I had completed my transaction and wanted me to come in for my serviceto earn my business. I said thanks but no thanks. You hope it’s a lesson learned but it isn’t.
It pays to shop around and have patience. A year later, and with over 20,000 more miles on my trade, I got a better trade in price (by $500) and paid less for a 2017 2LT than what I was originally offered for a 2016 1LT at the original dealer. I still had to haggle a little via text and phone but got it done.
Coincidentally, I actually got a call from the original dealer’s new sales manager while I was in the middle of negotiating the 2017 Vette. I explained the experience and that I wouldn’t consider buying from them again. He followed up a few weeks later to verify I had completed my transaction and wanted me to come in for my serviceto earn my business. I said thanks but no thanks. You hope it’s a lesson learned but it isn’t.
Last edited by tcinla; 12-31-2017 at 01:24 PM.
12-31-2017, 01:16 PM
#49
Hello everyone thanks for visiting my post, I was just at the dealership today to check out a used 2016 Z06,
LT3 package, Z07 performance, competition seats.
Let me tell you this car is loaded, had 14k miles asking $66,400.
I know I had to work a deal so I shoot an offer of 62k, moments later used car sales manager comes in and asked “Are you serious about buying a car” then he chewed me out with an attitude because of my offers. He went on and said the NADA trade in value at 75k and bank will loan 125% of that. He then questions me “how did you came up with that numbers it is from the sky”. From this point on I felt wow What a genuine customer service, I literally
LT3 package, Z07 performance, competition seats.
Let me tell you this car is loaded, had 14k miles asking $66,400.
I know I had to work a deal so I shoot an offer of 62k, moments later used car sales manager comes in and asked “Are you serious about buying a car” then he chewed me out with an attitude because of my offers. He went on and said the NADA trade in value at 75k and bank will loan 125% of that. He then questions me “how did you came up with that numbers it is from the sky”. From this point on I felt wow What a genuine customer service, I literally
Felt like I was given a parenthood lessons. At the end he Reinstated that “the Internet price is the final price, do you want to buy it”. I shake my head then he took all the paper documents away from me and leave the room with a quote
”stop wasting my time”. Even the salesman apologize about his manager reaction. I now understands why people are dreadful with purchasing a vehicle.
”stop wasting my time”. Even the salesman apologize about his manager reaction. I now understands why people are dreadful with purchasing a vehicle.
12-31-2017, 01:20 PM
#50
I have a better one for you the sales guy I spoke to, when I made an offer on a new Vette, he got out of his chair put his HANDS on my shoulder with a slight slap and said Good-by. I was just about to tear him a new *** when my wife grabbed me by the arm and said calm down. She knew where I was headed. Some of these sales guys are nutty.
12-31-2017, 01:33 PM
#51
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No sense waiting around if their asking price and the price you are willing to pay are miles apart.And to the OP, the sales manager was way out of line with his attitude. I would certainly let the dealership owner know about it.
12-31-2017, 01:35 PM
#52
Le Mans Master
Funny, what comes around goes around. I see the same people who bitch about trying to get a deal on a new car scream the loudest when someone makes a low ball offer on a car they are trying to sell.
12-31-2017, 01:47 PM
#53
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Kind of a funny story along these lines, a few years ago I tried to buy a Silverado and found the perfect one, a big red Duramax. The "Internet manager" low-balled me on my trade and blew me off when I tried to do better. So I went to a dealer in the next small town over and got my price, negotiated over the Internet. When I went to pick up the truck it turns out it was the VERY SAME TRUCK. The second dealer got it from the first on an inter-dealer trade, personally traveled to the first dealer and picked it up. The first dealer never knew it went to me. And no, I didn't "rub it in his face" or anything like that. Traffic is too bad to indulge in that kind of behavior.
12-31-2017, 02:02 PM
#55
What you did was a perfectly acceptable tactic.
The a$$hole was him, not you.
Rule #1 in buying a new car: never allow salesman to control the conversation.
The 1st thing I do when I walk into a dealership is take control immediately.
Salespeople are perceptive enough to understand what they need to do if they want a sale from me.
If they're not, I move on to the next seller.
Huh?
This is the Land of market-based Capitalism, not Socialism.
Neither side of the equation is "entitled" to a specific monetary advantage.
If a buyer and seller can't agree to a price, then end of the negotiation.
The a$$hole was him, not you.
Rule #1 in buying a new car: never allow salesman to control the conversation.
The 1st thing I do when I walk into a dealership is take control immediately.
Salespeople are perceptive enough to understand what they need to do if they want a sale from me.
If they're not, I move on to the next seller.
This is the Land of market-based Capitalism, not Socialism.
Neither side of the equation is "entitled" to a specific monetary advantage.
If a buyer and seller can't agree to a price, then end of the negotiation.
Last edited by sunsalem; 12-31-2017 at 02:03 PM.
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12-31-2017, 02:17 PM
#56
Safety Car
The simplest way of looking at this is that by acting like a complete and total jerk, the sales manager not only lost you forever as a customer --- but also all of your friends AND anyone that will stand still long enough to listen while you to tell them what happened.
My guess is that the owner would probably be pretty interested in knowing what happened, and how you feel about it.
The owner knows (or at least should know) that word about stuff like this (how customers or potential customers are treated) gets around fast --- and once a customer is gone, he's gone for good.
Cumulative impact: the owner has a big stake (because he's the owner) --- the sales manager is just an employee, and has no stake.
My guess is that the owner would probably be pretty interested in knowing what happened, and how you feel about it.
The owner knows (or at least should know) that word about stuff like this (how customers or potential customers are treated) gets around fast --- and once a customer is gone, he's gone for good.
Cumulative impact: the owner has a big stake (because he's the owner) --- the sales manager is just an employee, and has no stake.
12-31-2017, 02:25 PM
#57
What you did was a perfectly acceptable tactic.
The a$$hole was him, not you.
Rule #1 in buying a new car: never allow salesman to control the conversation.
The 1st thing I do when I walk into a dealership is take control immediately.
Salespeople are perceptive enough to understand what they need to do if they want a sale from me.
If they're not, I move on to the next seller.
Huh?
This is the Land of market-based Capitalism, not Socialism.
Neither side of the equation is "entitled" to a specific monetary advantage.
If a buyer and seller can't agree to a price, then end of the negotiation.
The a$$hole was him, not you.
Rule #1 in buying a new car: never allow salesman to control the conversation.
The 1st thing I do when I walk into a dealership is take control immediately.
Salespeople are perceptive enough to understand what they need to do if they want a sale from me.
If they're not, I move on to the next seller.
Huh?
This is the Land of market-based Capitalism, not Socialism.
Neither side of the equation is "entitled" to a specific monetary advantage.
If a buyer and seller can't agree to a price, then end of the negotiation.
Yes precisely, if buyer and seller can't agree, then end of the negotiation. I did not suggest otherwise. Dealer has equal right to refuse selling at a loss.
The only thing in question here is was the dealer employee rude? OP says yes. The other side of the story might be different. That was my main point.
And for the 3rd time I've posted in this thread, I repeat, IF the dealer was rude, then that is inexcusable. However, in my line of work, we investigate all sides of every story before coming to a determination. I see this kind of thing all time. You can politely and factually explain to some people why you can't do what they want, and because it's not the answer they wanted to hear, they call it "rude."
Of course, you only chose to quote a snippet of what I actually said, either purposely distorting, or because you missed the point. Does anyone read anything carefully anymore?
Last edited by Foosh; 12-31-2017 at 03:04 PM.
12-31-2017, 02:26 PM
#58
Race Director
Bought three new and three used in last five years, all were simple, as requested from sales doods a price I need to hear now to send my money today, all six replies were at or below what I wanted to pay.
Most recent was 2015 C7Z with every option, including 3LZ and Z07, only 1,600 miles, very quick transaction.
Most recent was 2015 C7Z with every option, including 3LZ and Z07, only 1,600 miles, very quick transaction.
12-31-2017, 03:02 PM
#59
Safety Car
True, but.....
If in fact he was as rude as you portrayed, there's no excuse for that. On the other hand, your offer was rather ridiculous, and basically a trade-in value price. Perhaps that's what he was trying to convey to you. They are entitled to a fair profit, and certainly aren't in business to lose money.
12-31-2017, 03:17 PM
#60
Racer
yes the offer was very low, but this is a business set up to encourage the numbers game; it is their "court" and the rules encourage such actions. And I agree he was within bounds to inform you that the offer was too low BUT if it is as stated he was quite unprofessional and a brief comment to someone else outside of sales is warranted. They create these pressured environments.....and it was a very low offer....
Last edited by bruceg2016; 12-31-2017 at 03:19 PM.
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