Most Common Phrases Uttered by Car Salesmen

While the car business has been forced to be more forthcoming because of the vast information and shopping power of the Internet, there are still those clinging to the "good 'ol days" by using lines that just don't hold up in today's car shopping environment.

Sometimes they work. Sometimes they make people mad. Sometimes they just make people laugh.

“I don’t know if I can do that it, but if I could, would you buy this car today?”

This is the classic non-committal, open-door, promise without actually promising tactic that salespeople love and consumers don’t always understand.

“What’s it going to take to put this car in your garage today?”

A good salesperson’s goal is to find your trigger that they can target for pulling. If you have a trigger, they want to find it and yank on it as hard as they can.

“We knew it had that problem. That’s why it’s priced so low.”

Turn objections into positives. That is what a GREAT car salesperson can do. The engine could be smoking, the gears could be grinding, and the radio may be stuck on polka, but a great salesperson handles it properly, and this is one of their best lines.

“I’ll even throw in the floor mats.”

Yippee!

“The price doesn’t matter. It’s all about the payments. If it were $5000 cheaper but the payments were $1000 per month, would you buy it?  Of course not!”

They can make the most money if you are focused on payments. Getting down to the right price or trade difference means only one thing to the dealership – less money. Getting down to the right payment can mean many things – longer term, lower rate, lower price, or a combination. If they can keep you looking at the payment, they may be able to sneak the price right by you.

“I’ll even throw in a tank of gas.”

Yippee! (I thought a tank of gas was included on new cars?)

“It’s not just leather, it’s Corinthian Leather.”

This has been a private joke in the industry for years. The definition of Corinthian is “the most ornate of the three Greek orders.” Coincidentally, it also means “playboy; a man devoted to the pursuit of pleasure.”

“I need a sale today to get my kids some clothes for school.”

A struggling salesperson will not use this line. If they use this line, they already have their kids clothes – now they are going for the upgraded golf clubs.

“Tell your friends where you got it, just don’t tell them what you paid for it.”

They are insinuating that you got a great deal. You may have. Then again, you may have been ripped and they don’t want anyone to tell you so.

“I’ll even throw in a free detail.”

Yippee!

It's a strange world we live in.  Luckily, there are still some honest dealers out there.  In these tough times within the industry, let's hope that these dealerships are the ones that survive and thrive.

 

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*carbuyingtips.blogspot.com

The New Police Siren You Can Actually Feel

"The Howler" uses a low frequency vibration that can be felt from up to 200 feet away

A new kind of police siren that emits low-frequency vibrations, is making waves -- quite literally -- in the town of Bartow, Fla. Although pedestrians may find it unpleasant, officers think it's a safer and more effective means of announcing their presence.

"I don't know if I could go back to a regular siren and feel safe with it," Bartow Officer Bryan Dorman told WTSP.

Co-developed by a former Florida highway patrol officer, the Howler works by sending out a low-frequency vibration people can feel from up to 200 feet away. With electronic distractions becoming an ever-present part of our lives, the addition of the vibration to the lights and audible siren could be an invaluable safety tool.

Hundreds of police departments around the country have started using the system, including the NYPD.

While officers think the Howler is an effective device, not everyone thinks it's such a good idea. Noise control groups have voiced their opposition, calling the siren "disorienting."

"[The] siren easily triggers an involuntary stress response commonly known as 'fight or flight.' This results in the secretion of adrenaline, with ensuing spikes in cardio-respiratory rates, muscle tension, and elevated blood pressure," claims NoiseOFF, a coalition aimed at reducing noise pollution. "Infrasound is low frequency sound energy that affects the nervous system and prolonged exposure can lead to progressive medical conditions."

Police officers and noise-control groups may not agree on the Howler's viability as a safety tool, they concur on one thing: You know when a police car is coming.

To order your copy of Car Dealer Hell, CLICK HERE!

*news article found on autos.aol.com

Car Buying Horror Story

Here is a car buying horror story as told by the individual it happened to....

I originally lived in Colorado, but have since moved to the Los Angeles area. I must say, I had never dealt with a total pit of snakes when I was in Colorado, but when I moved to LA that changed, they are vicious.
 
They tried EVERYTHING on me. Promises of higher trade values, the old "buy-it-today" method, the "take the car with you and come back later," I was twice invited to going to dinner with the sales manager and my sales person (I guess that would fall under the "I want to be your friend" category), and my favorite, I was told, after almost every tactic had failed to make the sale, that there were actually multiple people looking at my car (It was an old Ford Escort that looked like it had been driven off a cliff) and that they may be able to get more for my trade if I were to leave it with them. Now, why would anybody be looking at my crummy car, especially since it was parked on the street away from the sales lot.

I left shortly after that. To take a step back, I knew well in advance what my crummy car would bring in, and how much the vehicle that I wanted (A 2003 Ford Ranger) would be BEFORE I went in. My answer to those dealerships was to bring my own tactics to counter them.

What has worked for me, includes: visiting various dealerships and having them work against each other, instead of all of them against me to bring a good deal, maintaining control of the deal (staying cool), leaving the second that "something changes" in the deal, intimidation, etc..., getting promises in writing, obtain YOUR OWN financing.
When I purchased my second vehicle, I had very little credit history. The salesperson told me that since I have not built up much credit history, that my interest rate would be 21.99%. I was young and naive (and really wanted the car), so I said alright. Later that week...I was looking over the paperwork. I had seen it before when I signed it, but at the time, I was not going to let it get to me, was how much the interest totaled for the length of the loan was. By the time I had re-read the paperwork, that euphoric feeling had passed. Over $10,000 was how much the amount financed would cost me in interest.

Buyers Remorse to the max at that point. So, after I got done freaking out about what I had done, I looked into my own financing, and received a rate of 4.85%. Now that $10,000 shrunk to less than $2,000.

It is sad to know that hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people have been taken advantage of because they were not prepared before entering the dealership.
 
Be prepared for your new purchase by ordering CAR DEALER HELL - The Truth About Deception, by clicking HERE!

*article found on insidercarsecrets.com

A Car Dealership Horror Story

Another Car Dealership Horror Story....
as told by the unfortunate victim it happened to.

One of my worst mistakes occurred when I was 22 years old. 

I had just moved to Florida to start my journey exploring the world. When I moved it was the first time I had ever visited Florida....with $100 in my pockets....my huge suitcase and a mind full of questions such as: What are you doing here? Are you insane? Do you know anybody here?

I decided that I needed a car after I got a second job in a shoe store. I worked overnight in the warehouse of a bookstore and during the day in the shoe store. I saved some money got my drivers license and started looking for a car.

I called every dealer and everybody turned me down, because of my $600 down payment and no credit history. They wanted $3,000.00 down payments, co-signers, references, even the name of my unborn great-grandchildren! I was so desperate I would take anything. So I called this place I heard about on the radio.... They pre-approved me over the phone, so I went there with my savings and my hopes.


They treated me like a queen. Offering drinks, complementing me, I felt like a superstar in a luxurious spa in Los Angeles. They accepted my down payment and I was thrilled. They started showing me cars, the first one the most beautiful and spacious, then they showed me the not so nice ones, that's how they get us! Of coarse I went for the first one, it had a sticker with the words low mileage on it. Huh? I know about low mileage, about the same that I know about open heart surgery, absolutely nothing.

They sold me a 1992 Pontiac Grand AM with 80,000 miles on it for $8,000 (And yes, I mean U.S. dollars), and that's not all, with the low interest rate of 29% everything added up to more than $12,000!

I was so dumb, that I didn't even bother to check the value of the car in the blue book. I was trapped in the dealership for 6 endless hours, my hand was hurting from all the papers I had to sign: checks, insurance, an agreement of not to sue, papers that I didn't even understand and the contract. 

Two days after the deal of a lifetime, the engine started having problems, they took the car and made repairs. A month later I started having problems with the brakes, so they took the car again and made repairs. I didn't care, as long as I had the car it was fine. They gave me the car back and everything went fine for the next couple of days.  

One beautiful day at 7:45 AM I was driving towards work, when a 70 year old looking man hit my car with his 1970 truck. The poor man got out of the car nervous and apologizing.  I didn't know it was the beginning of the end for me.  I contacted the guy's insurance company, within a couple of days after placing the claim I received the outrageous news that the car was totaled. She replied: When the repairs of a car exceed its value the car is considered totaled. The nice lady proceeded to tell me the value of the car. $2,936! I sat down with my mouth open and after a half hour of hallucinations and criminal thoughts, I called back the nice lady of the insurance company and told her what I owed on the car.

She got in contact with the dealership where I purchased the car and explained the situation. The dealership took the money from the insurance and wanted to charge me the difference, which was more that $5500. I knew that it was not right. What was I supposed to do?  I consulted with an attorney who charged me $112, he asked me about gap insurance.  He then proceeded to explain how gap insurance is essential when buying a car in one of these places. Then he told me it was my fault for signing the contract and that I have to learn from this experience, he wasn't surprised, according to him he has cases like that every week.

Advice for car buyers:
If you are going to buy a used car, save enough and buy it from the owner, preferably a first time owner, and have the car checked by a mechanic before buying it.  My only satisfaction is that someone will read this story and will learn from my experience. 

Are you getting ready to buy a new or used car??  To help avoid a story like this from happening to you, order your copy of CAR DEALER HELL now by clicking here.

*article found on insidercarsecrets.com

Your habits determine the green car for you

Figuring out which car will most cut your fuel costs just got a lot more complicated,but the potential payoff has never been higher. From the extended range electric Chevrolet Volt to the battery powered Nissan Leaf to high-mpg engines powering the Volkswagen Jetta diesel, Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic, and unparalleled variety of vehicles are vying to help Americans reduce oil consumption, emissions and trim their fuel bills.

In the right hands, a Volt or Leaf could free many drivers from the gas pump. But depending on your driving routine, a Leaf might not work at all, and could strand you on the roadside.  Other drivers may find a hybrid or diesel makes more sense than either the Volt of Leaf.  "The consumer needs to know if the vehicle meets their demands," David Champion, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports magazine, said of the Volt and Leaf. 

Electric, extended-range electric, hybrid or diesel?  The right choice depends on how much you drive every day, how predictable your driving routine is and whether you take weekend trips or driving vacations.

The Leaf's greatest strength is that it's battery only power supply will power the car for up to 100 miles and never burn a drop of gasoline.  That's also its greatest weakness. The big battery takes a long time to charge, even if you install a special 220 volt outlet in the garage.  When the battery is drained, the Leaf has fallen and it can't get up.  The Volt, on the other hand, has a smaller battery that's good for up to about 50 miles of electric driving.  For longer trips, a gasoline powered generator produces fresh electricity to keep the power flowing.  Unlike the Leaf, the Volt can be the only car most drivers need, but some people think the gasoline powered generator makes it less of a breakthrough than the Leaf.

You can drive a Volt from New York to Los Angeles, but that's not the best use of the Volt's technology.  It was engineered to use little or no gasoline in the 40 to 60 mile range that covers most Americans' daily driving.  It's fuel economy on long highway trips is about the same as a good compact car and less than leading hybrids and diesels.

The new technologies are expensive.  Don't expect an electric vehicle to repay the added cost versus of fuel-efficient and comparably equipped gasoline car unless fuel prices skyrocket.  But the history of hybrids proves that people happily pay more to use less fuel. Concerns about the environment, national security and fuel prices all contribute to that.

The Volt should save plenty of fuel for drivers who drive mostly around town and take a few weekend getaways a year.  If you have a long commute every day, or take a road trip every weekend, you may be better off with the highway hero like the Toyota Prius or Volkswagen Jetta diesel. If you want a car that's fossil fuel free most days, but still gives you the freedom to take longer trips, get a Volt.

To order your copy of Car Dealer Hell and to download your free Salvation Guide click here

*Article written by Mark Phelan for The Arizona Republic

10 Tips On Buying Your First Car

 There comes a time for consumers when they must put a faith in their car salesperson and by their very first vehicle.

It can be a daunting process from the initial browsing to that moment when you're handed the keys, filled with the kind of euphoria that will stay with you until your insurance payment.

The folks at Kelley Blue Book understand your angst, which goes back to the world's first ever car buyer.  They've come up with 10 tips to get you on your way.  These tips won't guarantee you'll get the perfect car, but they should lessen the risk of getting that imperfect car.

1. Establish a realistic budget. You are not going to afford a Mercedes on a Kia salary. Ideally you want to pay cash, but if that's not possible, calculate what you can pay while keeping in mind fuel, insurance and maintenance costs.
2. Know what you can spend monthly. This sounds like number one, but your monthly payment must be in line with income.  Again, factor in insurance and fuel costs to come up with a range of affordability.  Do not overextend your budget no matter how tempting the vehicle.
3. Establish your transportation needs. Don't look at sporty convertibles if you need a reliable car to get you the 15 miles to school and back. Or if you are head of the carpool, look at something more roomy. Be realistic.
4. Prioritize your desires. Although you must be practical, if you spot something with the cool sound system or you just love those 22 inch rims, and it may raise your payments around $40, give it some thought. After all, these upgrades will be cheaper now than as add-ons later.
5. Do your research. The Internet was not invented to browse new and used cars, it just seems that way. The web is filled with reviews and guides. On such sites as cars.com, KBB.com and Edmunds.com, you may look up specific models and years.
6. Locate a convenient dealer. Although new and late-model cars have never been more reliable, they still need attention and that attention would be easy to access. When weighing a couple of choices, compare dealer locations and, if all other things are equal, showroom environment.
7. Take a test drive. So many variables come into play - seat height, wheel adjustment, steering feel, throttle tip in, outward visibility, control layout, etc.-that you must spend a reasonable amount of time driving the car.  And that time should be more then five minutes on someone's idea of a stop and go test route.  Take at least half an hour, while trying to stop and go, freeway merging and freeway speeds.
8. Determine the proper purchase price. This, too, has been made easier by online sites. KBB.com has its fair purchase price, which gives you an accurate idea of what people have paid in your area for your chosen car. A credit union should also be able to provide you with perspective, and may have a contact on the showroom floor.
9. Secure financing or know your options. Talk with your credit union, bank or insurance provider (many have the capability and desire to finance your purchase), and line up your financing in advance. You can always go with the dealer option but it's competitive-but never approach it as if the dealer is the only money game in town.
10. Enjoy the process. No, really, because when it ends-and it will end-you will have the freedom that comes with your own wheels. Even entry level autos boast solid construction and creative options.

*Article from The Arizona Republic

Stores can diagnose "check engine" light

 I saw this Q&A in the paper, and thought I would share.  A good tip if you have the same concern as the person below.

Question:  The "check engine" light is illuminated on my car's dashboard, but is seems to be running fine.  A neighbor told me that a local auto parts store would tell me what is wrong for free, but I am afraid they would just try to sell me parts I don't need.  Should I take it to the dealer instead?

Answer:  If your car is still under warranty, definitely take it to the dealer.  If it isn't, you have several options:  Take it to the dealer anyway, to your favorite mechanic or you can take it to one of the parts stores that advertise a free diagnosis.  Likely they will attach a portable scanner to a plug under your dashboard linked to the car's on-board diagnostic (OBD) system.  That "check engine" light means the car's computer has detected a problem, and a scan of the OBD system will tell you what it is - in general terms, at least.  Then you can decide who fixes it.

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