Dealership Stories
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: January 4, 2006
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 32
Having had a successful career in sales & sales mgmt, I agree with you about the incompetents - both in knowledge and desire. The stuff coming out of our schools these days where people can't write, spell, much less present themselves properly to get thru the interview process is amazing (and I've been out of the interview side since '93). 
They just hired a new supervisor for 2nd shift at my division of the Way Too Big Corp.
He submitted a paragraph long letter on how to better save PAPPER.
As far as car salesmen and managers...
At my old dealership, the managers would pay me to take their product knowledge tests for them.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: January 6, 2006
Posts: 14,053
Likes: 166
From: Bay Area, CA
People just don't give a crap. People would always send their papers to me in school to edit before they turned them in. I never ever write drafts. I make sure my grammar and spelling is correct the first time around. It's not that hard.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: July 24, 2008
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
From: Traverse City
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: August 7, 2006
Posts: 16,113
Likes: 789
From: In Boredom
Bottom line for me at the dealerships is that the sales people treat me like I'm number one. That they know what rebates and incentives are available to me. That they don't try and sell me a car I don't want. That when I say I want to think about it they don't try the high pressure sales pitch and and give my keys back when I ask for them. When I do return they don't try and change the numbers on me.
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: November 14, 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 8
From: Pacific NW USA
Bottom line for me at the dealerships is that the sales people treat me like I'm number one. That they know what rebates and incentives are available to me. That they don't try and sell me a car I don't want. That when I say I want to think about it they don't try the high pressure sales pitch and and give my keys back when I ask for them. When I do return they don't try and change the numbers on me.
Bullitt Member
Joined: July 29, 2007
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
We were actually pretty happy with our salesman at Louisburg Ford (Kansas). It was the sales manager who really p*ssed us off. He was condescending and insulted my wife by telling her she didn't know what was best for her money. You don't do that to my wife (she comes from a wealthy KC family - they might know a thing or two about managing their money).
In the end, she was so mad, she wrote a check for the entire amount of the Mustang, insisted on a couple of upgrades, and we drove off in the new car.
The salesman was somewhat knowledgeable - not as much as a true Mustang enthusiast, but OK. The sales manager was a schmuck. It didn't help that he was a K-State grad. I went to KU.
In the end, she was so mad, she wrote a check for the entire amount of the Mustang, insisted on a couple of upgrades, and we drove off in the new car.
The salesman was somewhat knowledgeable - not as much as a true Mustang enthusiast, but OK. The sales manager was a schmuck. It didn't help that he was a K-State grad. I went to KU.
GT Member
Joined: January 13, 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I'm in a small town and I take my cars to the local Ford dealer for service so I've spent time browsing the cars like everyone else does. There has been one salesman who has always been pleasant, smiling, willing to just toss a friendly comment my way when I've been in. I decided I would buy from him, keep the sale local. At first he really wasn't up and knowledgeable on the Mustang's upcoming features and rebates but he never tried to snow me. He would take me around to the internet site for the dealer and we would look up whatever he didn't know.
During this process of discovery, my son's girlfriend totaled one of my cars and I needed a used replacement. I told him my price range and he kept me in mind. I found a great deal on a Sable that had just come in as trade. We did the deal (still had to okay it with the manager but that was only a question of "hey will you take x-dollars for this car and the answer was yes), I paid the finance officer and no dinkin' around. Clear, clean and simple. They made a sale, I bought a car that I am very pleased with, and we were both happy with the price.
I placed my order for the '11 GT vert with him on 1-19-10.
During this process of discovery, my son's girlfriend totaled one of my cars and I needed a used replacement. I told him my price range and he kept me in mind. I found a great deal on a Sable that had just come in as trade. We did the deal (still had to okay it with the manager but that was only a question of "hey will you take x-dollars for this car and the answer was yes), I paid the finance officer and no dinkin' around. Clear, clean and simple. They made a sale, I bought a car that I am very pleased with, and we were both happy with the price.
I placed my order for the '11 GT vert with him on 1-19-10.
Last edited by objoe; Jan 27, 2010 at 12:19 PM.
GT Member
Joined: October 3, 2009
Posts: 150
Likes: 1
From: PA Bucks County
Went looking for my '10 last June (late in the month) Pulled up to one dealership here in NJ and asked if they had any NON-gt 2010's. Sales person said yeah and started pointing at 07-09's. I'm like no I said 2010.
He goes oh and points at a Grabber blue Gt. I'm like yeah like that but not a GT. He proceeds to ask why no GT. I explain not really in my budget and especially the MPG. He goes owe well they are now making both V6 and V8 Gt's and that one of the new V6 Gt's.
Oh ok and I leave. Bought my V6 convertible on 7/8/09 and never went back to any dealerships looking at cars.
The funny part is I lost my job 2 years ago and was getting desperate for a job. I had an interview at another local Ford dealership. The reason they stated I didn't get the job was lack of car knowledge. I laughed my **** off.
He goes oh and points at a Grabber blue Gt. I'm like yeah like that but not a GT. He proceeds to ask why no GT. I explain not really in my budget and especially the MPG. He goes owe well they are now making both V6 and V8 Gt's and that one of the new V6 Gt's.
Oh ok and I leave. Bought my V6 convertible on 7/8/09 and never went back to any dealerships looking at cars.
The funny part is I lost my job 2 years ago and was getting desperate for a job. I had an interview at another local Ford dealership. The reason they stated I didn't get the job was lack of car knowledge. I laughed my **** off.
Member
Joined: January 27, 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
hey Five Oh Brian if i want to come order a car from you what do i need? i hear $500 is all i need. then i hear you need some thing like $2000. does my co signer have to come with me to do the order or just when the car is there and rdy for pick up in 5 months?
Mach 1 Member
Joined: July 4, 2007
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
the 2011 model..clueless..i told him im not interested in the 10 model because i want a 5.0..5.0 huh? was the look!! why do they hire these people? i hate going into any dealership and i know more then they do about there products..THEY SHOULD BE UPDATED ON OPTIONS AND ALL NEW PRODUCTS COMING OUT EVERY 3 MONTHS OR SOMETHING.
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: November 14, 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 8
From: Pacific NW USA
I'm not a salesman at the dealership where I work, but any of our salesmen can place your order for you. You only need the deposit to place the order. You'll eventually need to show a driver's license, proof of insurance, and complete a credit application so that your loan can be processed, but you'd do those things closer to the time the car arrives.
Bullitt Member
Joined: September 8, 2009
Posts: 282
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, California
Over the last few months, I've visited a number of dealerships looking for either a Mustang, Challenger, or Camaro. What I've found interesting is that with most of the dealerships I went to, they pretty much just blew me off and acted disinterested. When I informed the Chevy dealer salesman that I was interested in ordering a Camaro, he acted like they didn't know when or if they would get any Camaros. Then later in the conversation, he talked about some of the Camaros they had on order. 
At the Ford dealership, it was like pulling teeth trying to get any information or get a conversation going, and the salesman was completely ignorant about Mustangs, often feeding me information I knew was incorrect (like saying the 2011 V6 would have 400 HP, and calling the used GT500 on their lot a Cobra). He didn't even offer me a business card.
I don't know, maybe it has something to do with how I look, but I think it may have more to do with where I currently live (central PA at the moment). Their is only 1 of each dealership in my town, and they almost never have muscle cars on the lot. When I went to Chevy they had only a single Camaro on the lot, and it was one someone had ordered. I've been by the Chrysler dealer multiple times (because we have Jeeps) and they have never had a Challenger on the lot. And of the several times I've been to the Ford dealership, this last time was they only time I saw a new Mustang for sale, and it was behind the glass. Perhaps lack of local competition is an issue. Perhaps I'm in truck country. But the dealerships seem to be doing their darndest to not sell their cars. I find this odd given that I can easily afford a car these days now that I'm in my 30's with a solid career and mostly debt free, whereas when I bought my Cobra back in 99 I was young and should have been met with more skepticism, but it was a lot easier to get the salesman's interest and participation back then.
I did briefly check out some lots in the Kansas City area when I was there recently...lots of Mustangs on the lots and my first impression was that they were a lot more interested in talking to me, though I didn't waste their time because I wasn't really interested in buying at that point...I was just looking for a glass roof Mustang so I could see a glass roof in person.
What stories do you all have?
At the Ford dealership, it was like pulling teeth trying to get any information or get a conversation going, and the salesman was completely ignorant about Mustangs, often feeding me information I knew was incorrect (like saying the 2011 V6 would have 400 HP, and calling the used GT500 on their lot a Cobra). He didn't even offer me a business card.I don't know, maybe it has something to do with how I look, but I think it may have more to do with where I currently live (central PA at the moment). Their is only 1 of each dealership in my town, and they almost never have muscle cars on the lot. When I went to Chevy they had only a single Camaro on the lot, and it was one someone had ordered. I've been by the Chrysler dealer multiple times (because we have Jeeps) and they have never had a Challenger on the lot. And of the several times I've been to the Ford dealership, this last time was they only time I saw a new Mustang for sale, and it was behind the glass. Perhaps lack of local competition is an issue. Perhaps I'm in truck country. But the dealerships seem to be doing their darndest to not sell their cars. I find this odd given that I can easily afford a car these days now that I'm in my 30's with a solid career and mostly debt free, whereas when I bought my Cobra back in 99 I was young and should have been met with more skepticism, but it was a lot easier to get the salesman's interest and participation back then.
I did briefly check out some lots in the Kansas City area when I was there recently...lots of Mustangs on the lots and my first impression was that they were a lot more interested in talking to me, though I didn't waste their time because I wasn't really interested in buying at that point...I was just looking for a glass roof Mustang so I could see a glass roof in person.
What stories do you all have?
Bullitt Member
Joined: October 29, 2009
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: heart of texas
We special order cars for just a $100 deposit (unless it's a specialty rig like a GT500 or Raptor, or a weird color/option combination). We are special ordering new 2011 Mustang V6's at just $199 over the invoice total and new 2011 Mustang GT's at just $399 over the invoice total. Any rebates available at the time of delivery are yours to keep. You don't pay for (or finance) the car until it arrives and your cosignor isn't needed until the car arrives (when you do the paperwork to buy the car). And, if you change your mind anywhere along the way, your deposit is refunded and you're not obligated to buy the car.
Chris
Mach 1 Member
Joined: June 16, 2007
Posts: 621
Likes: 12
From: Hagerstown, MD
i live in MD and go to a dealership that is 30 mins away from my house. i have a dealership 10 mins away that i only go to see what is on their lot. never talk to them again. i went there once and wanted a base mustang coupe 5sp and the salesman and manager tried to sell me a auto convt. after 3 times telling him i didnt want the car he was trying to sell i just got up and walked out didnt even say anything. the one i deal with now knows me when i come in. they dont hassle me and i am still one of the few that will work a deal with them. most of my cars i get for invoice or below and then trades and rebates after that. yes they are losing some but i have bought 8 or 9 cars off them since 1990. if i dont get the deal i dont buy. i research a car at least a year before i buy. excessive? maybe but when you put down $30k you want to make sure you not wasting your money. they know if they try and pull one over on me i wont come back. havent found a dealership like this in the area other than them. some dealers have good people working for them but management stinks and you dont get the best deals.
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: November 14, 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 8
From: Pacific NW USA
Chris, it's $399 over the factory invoice total, which is clearly posted at the bottom of each invoice and already includes holdback, FDAF, and fuel charges.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: June 19, 2004
Posts: 6,840
Likes: 2
From: Phoenixville, PA
Well, I just ordered rk2112 his 2011 GT/CS Vert at $300 over invoice (thanks again Rick). This is the price I am doing for TMS members on any V6 or GT order. Its fair, easy and a good deal for both parties involved. 
GT Member
Joined: October 30, 2005
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
I've bought several NEW vehicles over my life span, 7 in the past 16 years. But it wasn't until 1984 when things changed. I used the AAA buying program where they set a price before you go to the dealer, X amout over invoice. (I bought an Eddie Bauer Edition Ford Explorer) But since then, the internet is really the only way to buy a vehicle. Go find a showroom to test drive what you want, forget asking questions about the vehicle, they are mostly all clueless. Then go online and find your best price. Then if you still want to go to a dealership near your home, walk in with the quote and tell thme you'll buy the car today if they can beat or match the price.
Been doing that for years, and couldn't be happier.
LJS
Been doing that for years, and couldn't be happier.
LJS
I told the guy to just go find an old sales guy that knew how to do it--I got the car as ordered but the entire process was just a big pain. Almost all of the sales folks here aren't that up on the cars they're selling & just want to make the sale.
GT Member
Joined: January 13, 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
When I go out shopping around, I tell the dealership that whoever sells me the car gets my service. If they
want to dink around to save a couple hundred dollars on the sale but lose potentially a lot more on the service
side, well then it is their choice.
want to dink around to save a couple hundred dollars on the sale but lose potentially a lot more on the service
side, well then it is their choice.
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: April 13, 2006
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 0
From: McAllen, Texas
It was not a Mustang related buy but when my mom bought the Ford Escape at the local dealer, the salesperson was actually very knowledgeable about Mustangs. I had made no comment abouth the 2011 model but he brought it up during conversations while my mom was filing paperwork. Very knowledgeable about the info.
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