BUYING A NEW CAR

Lordy, what an experience! After an accident our car was “totaled.” We needed to have that second vehicle as soon a possible, so like many other potential customers, we chose a vehicle and bought an information sheet from Consumers Report. With our list of suggested prices and options we went to a local dealer to make the purchase.

The salesman (or, “Associate”) as they prefer to be called, met us at the door as soon as we put one foot into the showroom. With a luminous smile, hardy greeting, and handshakes around for all, he led us into his private office which was festooned with assorted trophies and plaques testifying to his sales proficiency. For about 20 minutes he engaged us in the usual “small talk” banter. Soon afterwards, he seemed to get down to the basics of our quest. He said that he had the “exact” model and options of the vehicle we wanted. Next step was a walk through the lot to see the sought after car. None of the cars had all the options (or color) that we specified. The salesman said, “No problem,” we’ll order one from another dealership. We then marched back into his office to meet with another “Associate” who said she would only take a few minutes of our time. It turned out to be an hour of how a “Protection and Paint” package would be beneficial. We got this “deal” for less than a thousand dollars plus tax. The final step was visiting the dreaded Finance Office. Twenty-one hundred dollars later, and with an extended warranty in hand we finally got to leave. The next day we picked up the car.

As a last minute thought, I asked about obtaining an extra set of keys for the vehicle. “No Problem” we were again told. For “only” $145 we could get the specially computerized key.. …..after about a WEEK! When the key arrived it was incorrectly modified, so as a result, and as of this date we haven’t received it.

Salespeople have to make a living. Most seem ethical, as did ours. However, they have yet to take the sting and agony out of buying a car….especially for folks like us who have limited sales resistance. There is so much paperwork and “CYA” forms (mostly for the benefit of the dealer), that it takes the joy out of getting that new vehicle.

              - The Clutterman

Click here to contact me.