Originally Posted by sa meredith
Lucy Goose...
Not sure if you meant Brand New, or new to you. I assumed "new to you", but whatever.
Let me say this, as someone who has been in the auto business 22 years, all at the same dealership, and worked their way from Salesman, to Sales Manager, to GM.
The funny thing about this business is that everyone is an expert. Everyone "knows a guy". Everyone has a story.
It's the darndess thing. It I have a leaky faucet, I'll call a plumber. A leaky roof, a roofer. But cars??? No need to call anyone...everybody is an expert.
So...I will not write a lengthy post agreeingwith or refuting the many things you have been told here, but touch on a couple of high lights, if you choose to read them.
First of all, with regard to your intial post..."weare looking for a commuter car, that gets really good gas mileage and not looking to spend a lot of money". Yes, of course. You and the rest of the entire country.
What I mean by this is simply this: It is the equivillant of looking for a 4 x 4 plow truck,on the eve of the first major blizzard. Demand will out weigh supply.
If you find exactly what you are looking for, don't be surprised if the dealer does not completely bend over backward to make a deal with you. There are 5 more people walking inthe door that want exactly what you do. In an age of people taking jobs whereverthey can find them
and will to drive great distances, and an age of $4 gas...well, do the math. The market on great gas mileage, cheap, commuter cars is very strong. Stealing one will prove to be a difficult thing. Possibly consider searching thru private sale. Eliminate the middle man.
Someone mention "never buy an aftermarket" warrenty on a used car. Yes, great advice. Trying to make a claim on one is the same as trying to solve a calculous problem back in college. Very few people can figure out how to do it.
However, a manufacture backed warrenty is highly recommended. A Ford used vehicle ESP (extended service protection), or a GM warrentry are legit things. You can pull into any dealer of that manufacture and the will honor the warrenty...regardless of where is was purchased.
Although some dealers have very rugged, old school, hard core procedures that salesman must follow (like Quirk...stay away) and are the types of places that will tourture you for hours, there are many place that are pleasant to deal with. Usually, a dealerships reputation is going to bebased on the type of salesman you ran in to. A pleasant, helpful, knowledgable sales consultant can make you say "wow, what a great place" however, your neighbor may have gone there and had a different salesperson, and swears never to return. So, if you visit dealerships, don't be one of these people horrified when asked "may I help you" and saythe standard "just looking". Tell them what you are looking for, what you hope to accomplish, and a rough of idea of the type of finacial commitment you are lokking to make. A true professional will use the information correctly, and steer you in the right direction, and offer some helpful advice. A professional. A quick buck, dishonest salesman genarelly has very little knowledge of his product, and won't pay much attetion to what you are saying, so it should not be that difficult to quickly identify the type of person you are dealing with.
If uncomfortable, simply say thanks, for today you would just liketo browse alone a bit, and are going to leave soon.
However, when you find someone who seems to really know what they are taliking about, tries to offer sevaral suggestions...trust your instinct, and the salesperson. Many will indeed have your best interest in mind. This is the way I made very comfortable living for many years
and toward the end, had thousand upon thousand repeat customer. Many bought their first, 2nd, and 3rd car, and then came when their children were ready for a car. However, there were many poeple who hated my dealership, simply because they dealt with the wrong people. Go were you want and make your own descision.
Also , important...trust me on this...stay away from going somewhere and saying "OH, I know so and so. He sent me". IT DOES NOT MATTER!!!!! THEY DON'T CARE!!!!! They will pretend it matters, but truth be told, a large number of dealerships have pricing policies where, if a customer comes in and says, "I'm a friend of 'this guy' " they will try to make a bit more, simply because they think you might just say OK, and not grind them at all. Find your own way...don't announce you are a referral of anyone. It can hurt more than it helps....90% or the time.
I guess alot of this is car buying 101, and I don't mean to insult your intelligence...I just get a kick out of how much everyone is an expert in car sales.
Quickly from what you described, I would say a Ford Focus, 3 or 4 yearsold would be a great choice..depending on your budget. It seems you probably keep a car for a long while, so resale value should be of little or no concern to you...I was curious why a poster told you to be careful about resale. From the info you gave, I assumed you are not a frequent trader, and keep a car until it is finished, so resale should play little or no role in your decision.
Don't be afraid to have a disinterested third party check the car for condition...a normal dealership will have no problem with it...in fact they should encourage it, if it make you feel more comfortable.
And check things that are not going to be covered under your power train warrenty...things you may not think of.
All 4 power windows, A/C is ice cold, power locks, sterio C/D player, cruise control, stuff like that. A dealer does not have to stand behind the extras...only the engine, transs, and safety items (NH instection items).
If you want to talk with someone I would trust with my own family...a low key, gentleman, who hasbeen selling since 1983, PM me, and I willgive you his name and dealership...and you can call him to talk on the phone first. He is over near Winnisquam.
I wish you well...buying a car should not be torture. You should enjoy it, and learn a lot from it.
I apologixe for all spelling errors and grammar mistakes in thispost...no time to go thru and fix...typed very quickly
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