There comes a time in every car's life when the repairs cost more than the car is worth. And when it's not safe to drive because you just know the transmission is going to fail at any minute, even though the two different shops you took it to can't seem to repeat the symptoms you're describing to them. Well, that just happened to one of our cars. Thus, we recently went through the dreaded process of shopping for and buying a new car. And during this process, we encountered some of the worst and the best people in the business.
We started to visit dealerships after we had narrowed our choices of what we wanted. At the dealerships, we were approached by a sales person as we walked in the door. I think they take shifts on who is on front-line duty as we were only approached by one person in each place. We saw the cars, asked our questions, and took the person's card because we wanted to honor the time they spent with us since they work on commission.
In between these onsite visits, we registered with Costco and True Car program through our credit union. Dealers have agreed to honor set prices for those participating in these programs.. After your online registration, sale people start contacting you either by email or phone or both. What all this means is that we had several dealers contacting us about buying a car, some we had seen in person, and some we hadn't. Whatever the case was, we tried to honor the first point of contact.
And here's where it gets interesting. At one dealership, we had only spoken on the phone and exchanged emails with Kevin, so we asked for him when we visited. The person who approached us as our front-line contact said Kevin wasn't there that day and proceeded to wait on us. We listened, took his card, and left. Something didn't feel right, so we sat in the parking lot and called Kevin. And guess what? Kevin was at work that day.
On the other side of town at another dealership, our first contact was in person with a very nice young man, Mike. Later we got a call from Barry, who represented the Costco program there. So when we went back, we weren't sure who to talk to. Barry stepped up and started to work with us. However, do you do you know what Barry did? He called over Mike and showed him how to handle the paper work. Also, Barry said that Mike could have all of the commission on this sale. They were both so nice and such a contrast from our earlier encounter, we wanted to buy a car from each one of them.
But alas, we didn't. And we didn't buy from Kevin or his dishonest co-worker, either. We bought from a third dealership where we dealt with a low pressure, friendly, knowledgeable salesman. Turns out he had the best car and the best deal.
So there you have it. How we got our shiny, new car that doesn't surge every time the transmission changes gears. And how we learned there are a lot of nice, honest people out there, but you have to keep your radar on just in case.
Isn't that disappointing to find dishonest people. We know they exist, but it still feels so disappointing. And now my big question? What did you buy? What color? SUV, sedan, truck, hybrid, economy -- what is it?
ReplyDeleteHave a fun weekend with your new car!
We got a new Honda Odyssey van. We had a 12 year old Toyota Sienna van that we liked so much, we wanted another van. At first, with our old van, we used it in the traditional way--soccer teams, boy scout campouts, etc. Also, it was great for trips. Plenty of room for everyone with ample space in the back to take anything we wanted along. Also, we used it a lot for hauling--everything from yard waste to freezers. It was a workhorse during our move. I would have kept it forever, except it was not to be depended on anymore. We plan on using this one in the same way--especially on trips. It sure makes the trip to see my mother a lot more comfortable.
DeleteWe ended up with a dark gray color because that was what was available. Getting another color would have upped the price $500.
Oh my! I have to confess that I've never actually bought a new car. I'm still driving my 1990 Honda Civic that my mother bought for me when I graduated from college. It probably needs a new transmission at some point, though it still has less than 90K miles on it, and since it's a stick shift I think the transmissions are simpler.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, hope you enjoy your new wheels!
We used to have a Honda Civic that I loved. We paid to have it moved from Houston to Maryland and within the first week, someone ran into it and totaled it. It had 40,000 miles on it and we had hoped to have it at least another 150,000. I hope your Civic lasts that long. If you take care of them, they certainly can.
DeleteDoesn't it feel like so nice not to worry about your car failing on you? I remember our experience when I was searching for my car.
ReplyDeleteThere was this one salesman that irritated me and lied to me. I was royally ticked off. However, after searching the dealership was the one who had the car we wanted. When we returned I told the manager we didn't want to deal with the previous one and our reasons. SO another salesperson took over and we had a pleasant transaction after. We were treated like royalty lol.
It feels really nice to be driving a reliable car. I have broken down in some pretty scary neighborhoods before and I don't want to repeat that experience.
DeleteGood for you for refusing to work with that salesman. I hope he changed for the better because of your feedback.
Ooh, congrats. I'm with Lili--I want details. I've had to do a car rental in the past couple of years while mine has been repaired--the new cars are so techie (and my current one really isn't THAT old) that driving them required a learning curve--although I did like the rear facing dash cam (is that the right terminology?) for backing up and parallel parking.
ReplyDeleteAfter we determine the type of car we want, we shop next on safety features. We buy a car with as many safety features that our budget allows. Consequently, these features come bundled with a lot of bangs and whistles that we would never buy on our own, but I am happy that it came with heated seats. Really looking forward to those next winter. I haven't gotten used to the backup camera yet, but I like it. BTW, backup cameras are mandatory in all cars by 2018.
DeleteOoooh, heated seats. That was a great feature on one of my rentals. I had it for a few days during bitterly cold winter weather and I wasn't sure I was willing to give it back. :)
DeleteGood to know about the cameras. We buy GM products as my dad worked for them and we have received the family discount, which is a nice perk. My brother just got a new car and apparently the discount still applies and we can get it through my mom. We aren't really in the market for a new vehicle, though--like you, we choose to wait till the repair costs become oppressive and it makes more sense to buy new (and with the commuting I do, it makes the most sense for me to purchase new vehicles, otherwise I would look for quality used cars).
We look at used cars, but because we are looking for the latest safety features, that makes them only a year or two old. Most of those are very close to a new car prices, so we usually go new.
DeleteI've taken some trips with my sisters who have heated seats and I loved them. I'm very happy that I have them now or will be in a few months.
Congratulations on your new vehicle! A new, reliable vehicle is worth the cost for the peace of mind it brings! Hope you have lots of safe miles driving in it.
ReplyDeletePeace of mind, priceless!
DeleteOh wow, they sure have reputations, those car sales people. Some fit the stereotype but glad you found some who didn't and were honest.
ReplyDeleteI think most people out there are honest, but there are a few that spoil it for everyone else.
DeleteNew car buying is quite the journey isn't it? My truck is 17 years old and I dread the day when it dies!
ReplyDeleteIt's a journey I hope I don't have to take again for a long time.
DeleteBTW, I'm still having problems commenting on your blog, but I wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying the pictures of your wildflowers. They are many of the same we have in this area.
I hate buying anything when commission sales are involved. I'm like you, I honor the first person who approaches me but I give them a speech in which I tell them I don't want to be followed or bothered. That I will come to them if I have questions but that if I see them following me around I will leave and no sale will happen. I know that sounds really rude in type, but in person I try to tackle this gently and with respect. Funny thing is that both my sons ended up in commissioned-based sales jobs. :-) They tell me having watched how I felt about pressure by salespeople they are better able to spot those who are like me now. :-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like your sons are doing a great jobs in sales. I certainly would be more inclined to buy from someone who didn't hound me.
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