Travails of Used Car Shopping

[balken]

I know that this has been discussed at length before, and I know that there are good, reputable car dealers and salesmen. However, I did not run across any of them recently.

1. Went to look at '06 with 40K. Was told it was serviced and taken car of by previous owner. Quick inspection revealed the original factory oil filter still on and nearly rusted through.
2. Called on an '07 some distance away and told guy I was interested but needed more info than online. He said he would send me pics and Carfax report in morning. Two days later, no info.
3. Wanted to try out a vehicle I have never driven previously. Used salesman said two on the way and one in detailing, but he would have me drive a new one to get a feel for the model. Sent me to the new car saleman for test drive, who proceeded to question why I would want a used one and that it would be "stupid" to buy used, not new.
4. Called on car listed in classifieds. Owner said he was out of town but I could have first shot to look when he returned the next day. When I called at the time he suggested he told me he had someone else come to look and it was sold.
5. Stopped at two dealerships and told salesman to call me when a particular vehicle came in. Vehicles are now sitting on lot but have not heard back from either.
6. Looked at a car with AWD and 4WD. It wouldn't shift out of 4WD. I told the salesman and he said that was no big deal and I shouldn't worry about it.

Alas, such is too often the experience with transactional salesman.

 

[HOTDON]

And salesmen wonder why people dread talking to them. I've had some very good and some very bad. At least you're not out any money and have started to compile a list of places NOT to go.

Hopefully things straighten up for you.

 

[bos]

I recently bought an 06 Honda Pilot and the salesmen were surprisingly very helpful. They negotiated the price well. I couldnt have been happier. I went to a Saturn dealer one time because I was in love with the Vue. They told me I couldnt afford it. How would they get that idea? By just looking at me? They lost a sale that day. I have dealt with some real special salesmen, but that took the cake.

 

[HOTDON]

I recently bought an 06 Honda Pilot and the salesmen were surprisingly very helpful. They negotiated the price well. I couldnt have been happier. I went to a Saturn dealer one time because I was in love with the Vue. They told me I couldnt afford it. How would they get that idea? By just looking at me? They lost a sale that day. I have dealt with some real special salesmen, but that took the cake.

Did you make it a point to stop back with your Pilot and talk to the guy's boss?

 

[bos]

Did you make it a point to stop back with your Pilot and talk to the guy's boss?

Different state. Its an 8 hour drive, otherwise I probably would have. What a jackhole that guy was. Another thing that bugs me is when a salesmen insists on riding with you on the test drive. I hate that.

 

[HOTDON]

Different state. Its an 8 hour drive, otherwise I probably would have. What a jackhole that guy was. Another thing that bugs me is when a salesmen insists on riding with you on the test drive. I hate that.

Fair enough. Chances are his boss is the one who lets him get away with that sort of crap anyway. I'm convinced accountability is dead.

 

[dmclone]

I'm one of the few people that love the whole car buying process. I love having dealers fight it out. If I don't like the salesperson I'll just start making things up. I know that a lot of them either don't know what they are talking about or are lying so it's the one time in my life that I don't feel bad about being a *******.

Having said that, there are a few good guys around town. Bart at Hummells Nissan is one of the best.

 

[AIT]

I'm one of the few people that love the whole car buying process. I love having dealers fight it out. If I don't like the salesperson I'll just start making things up. I know that a lot of them either don't know what they are talking about or are lying so it's the one time in my life that I don't feel bad about being a *******.

Having said that, there are a few good guys around town. Bart at Hummells Nissan is one of the best.

My father-in-law seems to enjoy buying cars too. He'll find a car he likes and offer the dealer a ridiculously low price. They reject it, and he comes back a couple weeks later and offers the same thing. He'll repeat the process for several months until the dealer caves and he gets a cheap car.

 

[Cyclone42]

Just cut out the "middle man" completely.

I've had really good luck just picking up a Saturday paper (the day with the most car listings) and looking for cars being sold by owners. No dealer, no having to pay 50% (or more) overhead just to buy a car from a dealer. Save a lot of money. Of course, I always take the car to a reliable mechanic for an inspection, and check out carfax.com if it passes inspection.

 

[Ficklone02]

Just cut out the "middle man" completely.

I've had really good luck just picking up a Saturday paper (the day with the most car listings) and looking for cars being sold by owners. No dealer, no having to pay 50% (or more) overhead just to buy a car from a dealer. Save a lot of money. Of course, I always take the car to a reliable mechanic for an inspection, and check out carfax.com if it passes inspection.

This is what i did recently and got a steal of a deal from a guy locally. I think I may repeat this process next time i go looking.

 

[Ficklone02]

If you want a trustworthy mechanics shop in DSM to look over the car take it to hickman auto. I've always felt comfortable with them.

 

[balken]

Just cut out the "middle man" completely.

I've had really good luck just picking up a Saturday paper (the day with the most car listings) and looking for cars being sold by owners. No dealer, no having to pay 50% (or more) overhead just to buy a car from a dealer. Save a lot of money. Of course, I always take the car to a reliable mechanic for an inspection, and check out carfax.com if it passes inspection.

I have done well when purchasing direct from the owner (twice so far), but haven't yet had any luck this time. Two good experiences on eBay, also. My best experience at dealers is when the vehicle has been on the lot for some time (thank you Carfax) and they want it off of the lot. Usually only works at smaller dealers or less ubiquitous vehicles.

 

[Wingback]

If you're in the Ames area, go to Wilson Toyota and talk to Tron Smith. They are an honest, reputable dealership and Tron is absolutely fabulous to deal with. I've purchased my last two cars from him and wouldn't go anywhere else...period!

 

[BryceC]

I know there are some used car guys on this board, I'll be in the market in the fall once I save up a little more and I would love to work with some of them.

 

[mapnerd]

If you're in the Ames area, go to Wilson Toyota and talk to Tron Smith. They are an honest, reputable dealership and Tron is absolutely fabulous to deal with. I've purchased my last two cars from him and wouldn't go anywhere else...period!

"Tron", seriously? That guy must reek of awesomeness. :smile:

 

[Wingback]

Tron is a great guy. He actually is a professional body builder (ex college football player...neck is bigger than my thighs), but he is a big "Teddy Bear." Honestly, he is by far the absolute best car sales person I have ever dealt with!

 

[HOTDON]

Do NOT buy a car from this guy. Wrong Tron.

 

[CycloneErik]

"Tron", seriously? That guy must reek of awesomeness. :smile:

I'd think he would only sell a motorcycle

 

[DaddyMac]

Balken - out of curiousity, what are you looking to buy?

I've had both ends of the spectrum. Purchasing my Accord from Holmes was great. Not sure I got all that great of a deal, but they guy there at least made it "feel" like I did.

Contrast that - we were also thinking of getting a new Forrester from Ramsey Subaru. The guys there are jacks. I little too "tough". We were in the showroom one night checking over the new model. The guy working was helpful, but made it crystal clear that sticker is what we would pay - no negotiations. "They sell too well for them to mark down". At least give me the feeling that I'm getting a deal. Especially when I can shop online and have priced it for 2K+ cheaper.

I'll go out of town before I give that place my business ever again.

Both those were new, however. The only used car I bought was from Stew Hansens when they were still on Ingersoll. They were fantastic. Can't say a bad thing about them. Checked in with them when I tried to buy my truck years back. They were great then too, just didn't have what I was looking for.

 

[djcubby]

I'll be looking at the end of this month, end of next month to get into to something different. Are there any tips/tricks that people know of to get a good deal? I know buying at the end of the month is normally better than the beginning of the month.