My buddy just one upped me...

[exdeath]

Not really...they will cater to you within the line up you are in.

Just like you'd be treated differently if you came in in a 10 year old car you bought from them new vs a 10 year old used car you picked up from the 3rd owner that wasn't even bought in the same state.

Not many people jump brands from a normal to a high-line one.

Chevy will fight more for a Ford driver than BMW or Porsche. Sadly some of the time just blowing them off. When I was looking for cars in the mid 5 figure segment while driving my 240SX, I often had to go to a manager or senior staff member to get the attention I wanted. For every serious guy like me, there are probably 10-20 tire kickers just looking for a test drive.

In general thats probably true but I had nothing but pleasant experiences with a Porsche dealership despite rolling up in a 95 Camry. Attitude and attire probably have more to do with it then anything. They can tell who's BSing and who's serious.

 

[alkemyst]

In general thats probably true but I had nothing but pleasant experiences with a Porsche dealership despite rolling up in a 95 Camry. Attitude and attire probably have more to do with it then anything. They can tell who's BSing and who's serious.

In reality the rich go and try and buy cars looking like paupers.

In a Camry you are in the 'safe' crowd.

What were you looking at and what were you able to test drive, new or pre-owned?

Did you allow a credit check?

I know of dudes talking about our local Braman dealership that they pulled up in their RX7 and got to drive a Porsche GT without a sales guy and even took it to close to 200 mph. Meanwhile, they didn't have one to test drive.

 

[exdeath]

New 2003 Boxster S. 3 test drives no credit checks or anything. Ironically it was Ford being snobs and insisting they don't allow test drives of the SVT models without deposits, intent to buy, etc.

The model probably had alot to do with it. It was still a $50-60k car but realistic,; it's not like I rolled up in a been in 6 accidents hoopty with spinner hub caps and asked for the keys to a 911 Turbo.

 

[RichieZ]

In reality the rich go and try and buy cars looking like paupers.

In a Camry you are in the 'safe' crowd.

What were you looking at and what were you able to test drive, new or pre-owned?

Did you allow a credit check?

I know of dudes talking about our local Braman dealership that they pulled up in their RX7 and got to drive a Porsche GT without a sales guy and even took it to close to 200 mph. Meanwhile, they didn't have one to test drive.

I bought my 08 boxster new, no credit check or anything required before test drive. Mostly concerned that I actually knew how to drive stick - took a look in my Z4 to confirm it was a 6MT. Let me drive pretty much anything other than the GT3, did take out a 997 turbo just for kicks. I'm pretty sure the day I came in I was dressed like a bum in a hoodie and jeans, typical startup attire.

Now that I have an established relationship my salesperson keeps calling me to come drive the new 991 911.

 

[alkemyst]

New 2003 Boxster S. 3 test drives no credit checks or anything. Ironically it was Ford being snobs and insisting they don't allow test drives of the SVT models without deposits, intent to buy, etc.

The model probably had alot to do with it. It was still a $50-60k car but realistic,; it's not like I rolled up in a been in 6 accidents hoopty with spinner hub caps and asked for the keys to a 911 Turbo.

1995 Camry was probably the right choice to pull in.

 

[alkemyst]

Hell this last month I walked into one of the largest MBZ dealers in the western US and just straight up asked to speak with the manager in charge of corporate/fleet/maybach sales. We worked out a deal in 30 minutes, and I was there by myself for that one.

deal on what...I seriously doubt the Maybach guy was at your beck and call on a C class. If you walked in, wouldn't you be there yourself? I am thinking a story.

I practically did the same for my 3 series as well. Walked in, asked if I could speak with their corporate/fleet sales guy. They got me into his office and I walked out 45 minutes later with my keys. That was possibly the easiest buying experience ever, kudos for BMW on that.

3 series and corporate/fleet is more believable.

 

[alkemyst]

anyway, update on my buddy. Actually both left side tires and rims got damaged with the pothole. $2000 to fix (deductable).

 

[sjwaste]

Not really...they will cater to you within the line up you are in.

Just like you'd be treated differently if you came in in a 10 year old car you bought from them new vs a 10 year old used car you picked up from the 3rd owner that wasn't even bought in the same state.

Not many people jump brands from a normal to a high-line one.

Chevy will fight more for a Ford driver than BMW or Porsche. Sadly some of the time just blowing them off. When I was looking for cars in the mid 5 figure segment while driving my 240SX, I often had to go to a manager or senior staff member to get the attention I wanted. For every serious guy like me, there are probably 10-20 tire kickers just looking for a test drive.

Go ahead and re-read my prior posts in this thread about VW's warranty handling and tell me that was OK because it was "just" a VW and not an Audi. I'm not the unreasonable type that wants them to buff out a scratch on the rim because it's under warranty, and I don't demand a red carpet and a cigar on my way in. I should start demanding cigars.

With something as expensive as a car, a company shouldn't have more than one chance to earn and retain your business. What you can or cannot afford is of no consequence - there's always a competitor willing to treat you better.

 

[sjwaste]

In reality the rich go and try and buy cars looking like paupers.

In a Camry you are in the 'safe' crowd.

What were you looking at and what were you able to test drive, new or pre-owned?

Did you allow a credit check?

I know of dudes talking about our local Braman dealership that they pulled up in their RX7 and got to drive a Porsche GT without a sales guy and even took it to close to 200 mph. Meanwhile, they didn't have one to test drive.

An important lesson I've learned in my experience and interaction with new and old money:

New money writes a check and makes it a point to demand respect as a consequence of it. New money shows up and wants you to know they have money.

Old money isn't opening that checkbook until they're confident you're dealing with respect and not screwing them. Old money hides that fact well.

I'm in neither group, but I've learned cfivility is important. I'd rather have the latter as a client any day. To your point, if someone gives you a hard time because you rolled up in a 240SX or Camry, then it sounds like they weren't serious about selling a car that day.

 

[The-Noid]

I bought my 08 boxster new, no credit check or anything required before test drive. Mostly concerned that I actually knew how to drive stick - took a look in my Z4 to confirm it was a 6MT. Let me drive pretty much anything other than the GT3, did take out a 997 turbo just for kicks. I'm pretty sure the day I came in I was dressed like a bum in a hoodie and jeans, typical startup attire.

Now that I have an established relationship my salesperson keeps calling me to come drive the new 991 911.

I showed up to the Motorwerks BMW dealership here in Minnesota two weeks ago asking about a new 550xi, suit and tie.

Still no call back and they "had no car to drive" even though I saw two on the lot. I was given the choice to drive a 528xi (which I don't want) and was told they would call about the 550xi but I could expect the payment would be around $1,300 a month and he wanted to make sure he "didn't put me into something I couldn't afford."

IMO there are good and bad everywhere or apparently I don't fit the part of a BMW driver.

I have dealt with Porsche, Audi (four times now) Infiniti. I have never seen such poor customer service by a salesperson.

 

[alkemyst]

$1300 is more car than most can afford. A sales guy knows what those serious will ask/say and what ppl that just want to tire kick will.

I am paying more in cars per month than a couple at minimum wage gross in a month.

 

[The-Noid]

$1300 is more car than most can afford. A sales guy knows what those serious will ask/say and what ppl that just want to tire kick will.

I am paying more in cars per month than a couple at minimum wage gross in a month.

You pay $2,320 a month in car payments?

Why in God's name wouldn't you put money down on the car?

If you can afford $2,320 in car payments you can afford saving for 12 months to put at least some down.

 

[momeNt]

Jesus people. I showed up at a ford dealership in Naperville, IL asking about their dealer code for a best buy rewardzone 50$ in reward points promotion for test driving an Edge and the guy practically forced me to test drive the car in pouring rain all the while knowing I wasn't going to buy it! The Edge they had me drive was fully loaded too I think sticker was like $45,000.

I don't think it has to do with whether or not they think you will buy the car or not, it has to do with putting out a good image and a friendly sales approach. That 23 year old that went into your shop for a gift certificate may decide to look elsewhere when he actually wants to buy a car in a couple years if you treat him poorly like he doesn't belong there.

Going to go with Noid on this one, sales people shouldn't be making judgements about potential buyers, they come in all shapes and sizes. Don't try and say that within 1 or 2 sentences you can guess how much they make and what they can afford on a car because it isn't true, if you do that then you're only driving out customers.

 

[ViviTheMage]

2008+ M3 420~ HP would be preferred.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I showed up to the Motorwerks BMW dealership here in Minnesota two weeks ago asking about a new 550xi, suit and tie.

Still no call back and they "had no car to drive" even though I saw two on the lot. I was given the choice to drive a 528xi (which I don't want) and was told they would call about the 550xi but I could expect the payment would be around $1,300 a month and he wanted to make sure he "didn't put me into something I couldn't afford."

IMO there are good and bad everywhere or apparently I don't fit the part of a BMW driver.

I have dealt with Porsche, Audi (four times now) Infiniti. I have never seen such poor customer service by a salesperson.

heeeey, I plan to go there soon too, they have an 08 M3 on the lot. If they don't like my attire, they can suck it.

 

[Ferzerp]

When I was shopping for my car, I had a dealer with one in the showroom that they didn't want me to drive.

That (and a few other things) made them lose a sale to a much more friendly dealer.

 

[alkemyst]

You pay $2,320 a month in car payments?

Why in God's name wouldn't you put money down on the car?

If you can afford $2,320 in car payments you can afford saving for 12 months to put at least some down.

Well it's closer to around $1500, I did the math in my head quick. However with rates like 3% and part at 0%, why down pay at all?

Plus I don't plan to go the full five years anyway.

 

[alkemyst]

2008+ M3 420~ HP would be preferred.

Even my die hard BMW friends don't like that generation.

 

[IcePickFreak]

You pay $2,320 a month in car payments?

Why in God's name wouldn't you put money down on the car?

If you can afford $2,320 in car payments you can afford saving for 12 months to put at least some down.

Can't speak for alky, but I didn't put a dime down on my car (ok actually I did put $20 just so they would hold a specific car for a day) and I won't pay it off early at all.

0% financing FTW

 

[exdeath]

Why in God's name wouldn't you put money down on the car?

When it's 0% or a lower rate in general than what your money can be making for you elsewhere.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

deal on what...I seriously doubt the Maybach guy was at your beck and call on a C class. If you walked in, wouldn't you be there yourself? I am thinking a story.

Actually a 60K ML, but nice try.

I went there myself and negotiated the deal then called my dad in to sign the paperwork.

Funny story, I had to get a passport picture taken back in college for something and my AAA office was right next to a Land Rover dealer. They said it would be a 20 minute wait for my pictures to be ready so I said why not and walked over to the LR dealer.

I got to chatting with one of the sales people who let me test drive a 90k Range Rover on their off road thingy. I always thought that was pretty cool.

 

[dirtboy]

Even my die hard BMW friends don't like that generation.

They should try driving one some time. The E92 is everything the E46 wanted to be but wasn't.

 

[Safeway]

They should try driving one some time. The E92 is everything the E46 wanted to be but wasn't.

Dirtboy! I agree.

 

[alkemyst]

lol we have all driven them. I am taking you guys are more concerned about branding and not spilling your Starbucks.

I have driven both, I think you both just like to watch things on the internet.

 

[alkemyst]

Actually a 60K ML, but nice try.

I went there myself and negotiated the deal then called my dad in to sign the paperwork.

Funny story, I had to get a passport picture taken back in college for something and my AAA office was right next to a Land Rover dealer. They said it would be a 20 minute wait for my pictures to be ready so I said why not and walked over to the LR dealer.

I got to chatting with one of the sales people who let me test drive a 90k Range Rover on their off road thingy. I always thought that was pretty cool.

got it.