I'm a car salesmen, Go ahead and ask me anything - Page 14 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

ernie · 05-29-2007, 09:26 AM

Dear Yahoo!: What's the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof? Heather
Crawfordsville, Indiana Dear Heather: Having just gone through the long and drawn-out process of purchasing a new car and asking that very same thing, we here at Ask Yahoo! felt uniquely qualified to answer your question. According to the helpful salesman at our local car lot, the difference is in name alone. Of course, we all know you can't believe everything someone, especially a salesman, tells you, so we looked for confirmation. A search on "sunroof moonroof difference" promised to uncover the truth. Sure enough, the very first search result was a page of frequently asked questions from sunroofs.com, a site "devoted to public awareness and education about automotive sunroofs."
The answer?

"Sunroof" is the generic term used to describe an operable panel in a vehicle roof which can let in light and/or air. "Moonroof" is a term created by Ford in the 70s, yet is now used generically to describe glass panel inbuilt electric sunroofs.

Hmmm, so all moonroofs are sunroofs, yet not all sunroofs are moonroofs? We found further clarification -- "sunroof" is the term originally used to describe a metal panel that would only allow light or air in when opened. A "moonroof," on the other hand, is a glass panel that can allow light in even when it is closed (provided, of course, you slide back that nifty fabric-covered panel to expose the glass).
True sunroofs, those made just of metal, appear to have gone the way of 8-tracks in automobiles, and these days, most "sunroofs" are really "moonroofs" -- panels of tempered glass, usually tinted, that tilt up to allow a flow of air, or slide back into the roof entirely, giving the car occupants a brief but tantalizing glimpse of life in a convertible.

BlackEleven · 05-29-2007, 10:00 AM

Guess it wasn't that dumb of a question, seems a lot of other people didn't know either!

Winsor_Pilates · 05-29-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken0042

I always thought that a sunroof can open; whereas a moonroof stays fixed and closed.

I thought it was the opposite. Moon roofs open all the way, sun roofs just crack open.

Dion · 05-29-2007, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken0042

I always thought that a sunroof can open; whereas a moonroof stays fixed and closed.

Nope. Moonroofs are a piece of glass that slides open while the sunroof pops up. In fact my 2005 Ford Escape has a combination moonroof/sunroof.

Bill Bumface · 05-30-2007, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dion

Nope. Moonroofs are a piece of glass that slides open while the sunroof pops up. In fact my 2005 Ford Escape has a combination moonroof/sunroof.

If you read the thread you'd see that you are wrong. Unless your glass turns into steel.

Every moonroof has the capability to tilt as well as slide back. It's nothing special.

I-Hate-Hulse · 06-13-2007, 10:48 PM

Is there a "best" time of the year to try and haggle a good deal? I've heard year end and quarter end are good times to help make salesman and dealerships make quota. Is this true?

Dion · 06-14-2007, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

If you read the thread you'd see that you are wrong. Unless your glass turns into steel.

Every moonroof has the capability to tilt as well as slide back. It's nothing special.

How am I wrong? You just repeated what I posted

Hack&Lube · 06-14-2007, 03:59 AM

Sunroofs...Moonroofs...

I miss T-Tops!

TimSJ · 06-14-2007, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Is there a "best" time of the year to try and haggle a good deal? I've heard year end and quarter end are good times to help make salesman and dealerships make quota. Is this true?

I don't think it makes a huge difference anymore. Dealers are always looking for deals.

Still end of month and end of year as we try to make targets are always good.. Also when the new model year cars start to arrive we are panicing to get rid of the previous years.

TimSJ · 06-14-2007, 05:45 AM

T-Tops do rule..

arsenal · 06-14-2007, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimSJ

I don't think it makes a huge difference anymore. Dealers are always looking for deals.

Still end of month and end of year as we try to make targets are always good.. Also when the new model year cars start to arrive we are panicing to get rid of the previous years.

So how much depreciation are dealerships willing to absorb on these cars? There already is the "drive-off the lot" depreciation on new vehicles. But I would imagine that there is more when the new model years arrive.

TimSJ · 06-14-2007, 10:40 AM

all depends. Generally there are manufactures programs on left over cars... Just try and make the best deal you can.. If you think it is a fair deal that is all that really matters.

arsenal · 06-14-2007, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimSJ

all depends. Generally there are manufactures programs on left over cars... Just try and make the best deal you can.. If you think it is a fair deal that is all that really matters.

Would a dealership be able to / willing to hangle on the interest rates on these vehicles? Or those are set and cannot be changed under any circumstances?

TimSJ · 06-14-2007, 11:34 AM

Generally there is a base interest rate. say 7.5%.. If there is a lower rate it is being paid for by someone whether the dealer or the manufacture.. The finance compnay is always getting there 7.5%. If you want a lower rate than is being offered through special offers then the dealer is just paying cash to buy down the rate so likely you would get a smaller discount..

Deelow · 06-14-2007, 11:59 AM

With the stronger Loonie does it make sense to buy new in the States?

arsenal · 06-14-2007, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deelow

With the stronger Loonie does it make sense to buy new in the States?

This one depends on the car. Look up the MSRP for both the US and Canadian vehicles, do the conversion (USD to CDN), then add about 5k for taxes, duty, etc. That should give you a good indication as to if you should consider it for the vehicle you are interested in.

As an example: Subaru WRX STI is worth going to the US to purchase it.
MSRP in the US is around $31 - $33 k.
MSRP in Canada is around $50k.
Even after the conversion, and adding about $5k, you are saving about $10k on the final price.

Burninator · 06-14-2007, 01:34 PM

Can you bring a Lancer Evolution in from the US?

Ironhorse · 06-14-2007, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

Can you bring a Lancer Evolution in from the US?

No, since IIRC their front mounted Intercooler does not survive the Transport Canada mandated 5mph crash test.

Here is the official list of admissible cars:

http://www.riv.ca/english/US_vehicle_admissibility.pdf

arsenal · 06-14-2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

No, since IIRC their front mounted Intercooler does not survive the Transport Canada mandated 5mph crash test.

Here is the official list of admissible cars:

http://www.riv.ca/english/US_vehicle_admissibility.pdf

Which is the dumbest rule ever!!!
Anyway, as of next year year, this wont matter anymore. The Evo will be sold in Canada (Lancer Evo X). Once that starts, then you will be able to import the Evo X to canada from the US. Provided it makes sense cost wise.

TheyCallMeBruce · 06-14-2007, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arsenal

Which is the dumbest rule ever!!!
Anyway, as of next year year, this wont matter anymore. The Evo will be sold in Canada (Lancer Evo X). Once that starts, then you will be able to import the Evo X to canada from the US. Provided it makes sense cost wise.

Technically, with the high canadian dollar, we should be getting the Evos pretty close to the price the Americans are getting, no? That would be around high 30s to low 40s. Well...we Evo enthusiasts can dream.