I'm a car salesmen, Go ahead and ask me anything

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Anybody bought a set of rims with wheels online? What site did you use?

Tirerack.com

By far the best service and pricing whenever I've needed stuff.

[arloiginla]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Thanks I'll check that out tomorrow. I've heard buying from the States is cheaper even with shipping, duty, etc. Especially with our strong dollar. Do you know what the American wheel sites are? I know there is a big one but I can't remember the name.

I can get you a nice discount on wheels if you want. Just fire me a PM.

[Sliver]

Yeah tire rack priced out about $100 less than 1010. Thanks guys!

[stampede2009]

Hi Tim:
I have issues with my MB dealership. I gave them a deposit on the 2012 C class back in March, thinking it will be delivered in Aug/Sept. Then I got an "email" from the salesman saying "all pre Oct production cars MUST have the command Nav option" which means the car w/ the options that I want won't be here until Dec. Well, this is the last straw that broke the camel's back after 4 brand new MB purchases in the last 10 years. Went and bought a BMW 328 IX last week. The elitist attitude in both dealerships are unbearable, they always act like that they don't have enough cars to sell. I don't know if I have been a sucker the past decade for driving MB exclusively. The cars are nice/classy, but really not very reliable/problematic, except the the C300 which has had no problems. All the MB (CLK cabrio, ML320, C300, SLK350) were sold to me at MSRP, not a single penny off. Whereby the BMW I just bought was negotiated down by $5000 without much effort. Mind you, they are changing the 3 serie model in 2013, but it's still the current design for 1 1/2 years. I don't know if it makes any difference on the negotiating part, but I have always chased the newest model, so all the purchases were ordered the previous year for the next model for January delivery, Like the SLK was delivered to me in July of 08 for a 09 model. The only thing I ever got from them is:
1) one dealership - a MB shirt or a jacket or winter mats. Only one item, never 2.
2) other dealer - $100 gift cert for handing them the satisfaction survey signed but leave blank, so they can fill it out later. Wonder why they win all those awards!
This is how the non negotiating MSRP part was explained to me by the salesman - "There is not much margin on the cars I ordered due to a lack of options I want". Meaning I don't want the navigation system, panaramic sunroof, parktronic and etc. I do always get at least one option (like the premium package) to keep them off my back and act at least civil. Otherwise, comments will be made:
1) no one orders a manual.
2) no one orders the non 4 matic.
3) without this option the car is weird.
4) it's so plainnnnn.
So, what do I do, end up getting stupid options, like the airscarf. Some people might like it. Not here in Calgary, you try to put the top down in Autumn and turn the airscarf on and you will see what happens. Either your head freezes or your neck itches. Lose/lose situation. Only used it once in 3 years.
As you can tell, I am still pissed at MB, but I still like their cars, especially my wife. Who do I buy it from now in the future, since both dealerships are not particularly nice to deal with.
Another thing, man the BMW dealership was super friendly for the 2011 328 IX with manual transmission. Even the business lady who try to upsell after the purchase was nice. I expected her to change her face after I told her "NO" to all the extras, like the run flat tire insurance, protection this, protection that. Overall, a very nice shopping experience with a $5000 discount. On the other hand, the only guy that's helpful at the MB dealership is the service personnel, he always gets me a loaner for however, big or small jobs. I can pop in anytime for small problems and he looks after me.
I guess, I am just tired of MB constantly saying "NO" to my requests, whereby I was pleasantly surprised at the "YES" attitude from BMW. Please don't get me wrong in thinking that I make a lot of demands at the dealership, not at all. In fact I always thought that it was standard practice in selling their new vehicles at MSRP with all luxury brands. so I just cough up!
In fact it's the salesman who keeps telling me all these loyalty programs to get me interested in a new vehicle, but every time, I want to take advantage of it, I end up not qualifying due to one reason or another. Example:
1) when you get your fifth MB, you qualify for a 5% discount, but when I am ready to order my fifth MB, he now goes, you must have 5 vehicles registered under your name. I respond, who would own 5 vehicles at the same time, He says "lots of people, especially doctors and lawyers and oil barons. Well, you know I dont own 5 vehicles, then why did you tell me that I would qualify for the 5% discount? he just smiles.....
2) I go in for service, he approaches, "Oh, your current lease is expiring, do you want to do a pull ahead program and save yourself 1/4%. I though about it. Sure, I am going to need a new vehicle anyway in 4 months, why not take advantage of the 3 waived payments. So I go in to order one of their vehicles on the lot. Now the response has changed. "oh, you can not pull ahead until next month and by then the 3 waived payment promotion will be gone. for a while there, I thought great, for the first time, I can get a bit of discount from MB, but again, I was disappointed. another thing, when I paid cash for my first 2 vehicles, the sales people tells me that they actually prefer leases because MB makes more money. when I leased my last 2 vehicles, they tell me they like cash deals. When I wanted a 4matic but the wait is over 6 months, he tells me to get a set of snow tires and order the rear wheel and further tells me that even he doesnt need 4matic. However, 3 years later when I want to order a rear wheel vehicle, he tells me that NO one orders ones without the 4matic. My sales guy talks from both sides of his mouth and basically have lose all credibility with me.
I am ready to buy another roadster, (If it were me, I will just buy a Z4) but my wife already told me that she prefers another MB. so who can I buy it from now. If I go outside the city, will it affect the maintenance service?

[Husky]

Any specials/discounts for a 2011 Audi Q5....?

[woob]

I posted this in the Ongoing Automotive Thread, but also wanted to post it here as I know this thread gets frequent visitors as well.

Ok, need some input on this please. I found a GM Optimum Certified 2004 Mazda Tribute DX that looked clean and was in good shape. I asked the dealership for a CarProof and received one which all checks out, no accidents, etc. He also sent me details about work that was done on the vehicle in December which includes new tires (BF Goodrich Long Trails), new rear brakes, new windshield, front sway bar links, front brake hoses, rear drums and shoes. Drove the vehicle and it drives nice, brakes well, everything works. V6, auto, AWD, etc. The vehicle has 131,000 KM on it.

Vehicle was listed for $9900 which I thought was way too much so I offered $7300. Got a reply today and the guys say's it's mine for $7300 plus tax. This totally threw me off as I was expecting to haggle back and forth! Now, I'm wondering why they took the offer so fast? The one thing is the vehicle HAS been on the lot since December of 2010, so they're probably just wanting to get rid of it.

Anyways, thoughts on this? I still think $7300 is a good value. The Vehicle is GM Optimuim certified so it comes with 30 day exchange and 5000KM warranty. Still thrown off though haha.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by stampede2009

I have issues with my MB dealership......

Jesus, there are about 10 instances here were I would've walked away. I'm surprised you lasted that long. I would definitely have not given them a blank survey, and instead wrote all this stuff down to MB. Those survey's can really have a big affect, and scares the crap out of dealerships (hence them paying you to leave it blank).

You should think about a Boxster perhaps? Although I'm guessing you'll get prick service there too....although hopefully it's a little more driver friendly and understanding when it comes to not getting useless options.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

My Aunt was so turned off by the MB attitude that she went to the Volvo's and has been very happy. I personally think they are outstanding vehicles...not as driver focused as a BMW perhaps.

They don't have a roadster but the C70 is no slouch.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

My Aunt was so turned off by the MB attitude that she went to the Volvo's and has been very happy. I personally think they are outstanding vehicles...not as driver focused as a BMW perhaps.

They don't have a roadster but the C70 is no slouch.

I'm sorry but the 5-cylinder 227 hp engine in the C70 is a total slouch. Fine for a middle-aged woman, but that's very disappointing performance in a $40k plus car IMO.

[stampede2009]

I took up your advise and test drove some Boxsters and Cayman. The Cayman was most impressive with driver experience. In fact, the salesman was really funny, told me I was driving too leisurely. In fact asked me to keep it in 1st and 2nd gear only and let it rip to 5000rpm - to experience the smoothness of the engine. Boy was he right. anyway didn't buy it because the only one they have that in my color and option already has 600 km, but refuses to sell as a demo. Anyway, was able to convince the wife to try out the Z4 and when we put the Z4 and SLK side by side, the Z4 really made the SLK look like a chick car and the interior was nicer. Well, BMW really wanted our business and we completed the deal in 1/2 hour. Really painless. So far I am really happy with my 2 Bimmers, trouble free driving so far and the service is most impressive.

[Table 5]

Glad to hear it, you found a car you like AND you rewarded good service...it's win/win. Now the only thing left to do is drive by your old MB dealer and do the old honk and wave.

[ClubFlames]

I'm looking into buying a 2005 BMW X5 4.4i

It's for sale for $21,200.

Are they known for any sort of problems? Anything particular I should be looking for in it? Is the price normal or is it jacked up?

Thanks in advance.

[Charcot]

I'm looking to ship a car in from Quebec. Any advice from the knowledgeable out there would be helpful. Pointers to companies you've had a good experience with would be great.
Thanks

[STeeLy]

Originally Posted by Charcot

I'm looking to ship a car in from Quebec. Any advice from the knowledgeable out there would be helpful. Pointers to companies you've had a good experience with would be great.
Thanks

L. Hansen's Forwarding.

Ships by rail. You can have it delivered either to your door or pick it up at the rail yard.

I shipped my car from Toronto to Calgary once using them, it was about $900 (back when fuel prices were somewhat high) from depot to depot. You can also track where your car is as well.

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by ClubFlames

I'm looking into buying a 2005 BMW X5 4.4i

It's for sale for $21,200.

Are they known for any sort of problems? Anything particular I should be looking for in it? Is the price normal or is it jacked up?

Thanks in advance.

I love the look of these trucks when they have the beefy tires on them. A couple of years when we were looking to replace our 96 explorer I started to look at these and decided that in relation to the 2009 explorer we were looking at the BMW was too expensive.

I have heard that these trucks don't react well to cold weather and I'd also assume that parts for a BMW are slightly more than similar parts for a ford. But what do I know

[Ironhorse]

^

I've also been told by my (BMW) mechanic that the X5's suspension doesn't hold up well with riding on Calgary's pothole ridden streets. Relatively poor fuel mileage also.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by ClubFlames

I'm looking into buying a 2005 BMW X5 4.4i

It's for sale for $21,200.

Are they known for any sort of problems? Anything particular I should be looking for in it? Is the price normal or is it jacked up?

Thanks in advance.

My boss has been driving one for a few years and I don't know how many times that thing has broken down, gone bad, or just stopped working (parts that is).

I wouldn't recommend one.

[speede5]

Originally Posted by Charcot

I'm looking to ship a car in from Quebec. Any advice from the knowledgeable out there would be helpful. Pointers to companies you've had a good experience with would be great.
Thanks

Seriously? Have you seen the way they drive in Quebec?

[Eddie Bronze]

This is auto related but doesn't have to be responded to by Tim.
Explain to me the math on this:

Price of vehicle after taxes, trade-ins and downpayments $36,223

Financing is set to be 3.99% over 60 months.

Monthly payment ends up being $667.

Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me but that doesn't add up at all. What am I missing?

[DementedReality]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

L. Hansen's Forwarding.

Ships by rail. You can have it delivered either to your door or pick it up at the rail yard.

I shipped my car from Toronto to Calgary once using them, it was about $900 (back when fuel prices were somewhat high) from depot to depot. You can also track where your car is as well.

as someone in the logistics business, i second this recomendation.

Hansen are the guys to goto, dont waste your time with anyone else.