After Hours

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Shared Knowledge

0 helpful
10 replies

by jeffersnet

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
blog root

10 replies

by jeffersnet

I've read where you are supposed to buy a new car or truck at the end of the month because sales people need to make a certain number of sales.  Well, this may have some truth to it but it isn't all true.  I used to work full time selling new trucks for a GM dealer and I am currently working part time there while doing my system admin thing elsewhere.  It is true that the end of the month is when a lot of the sales happen but that is why it is so much better to buy at the start of the month. No one is selling much of anything during the first week or two and the sales staff and management will do about anything to get those first sales of the month started.  Managers often get adverising money to put towards selling new cars and trucks and they are usually all used up well before the end of the month, that can mean up to an addtional $1000 off.  Don't go until after the 3rd or 4th day when those ad dollars arrive but don't wait until the end of the month either!!!!

by jeffersnet

% off sticker

Generally you can get 15% to 19% off of the sticker price of a new car or truck before adding rebates into the figures.  When sales are slow dealers often discount everything first so remember to check that sticker and figure what 20% off is for price, subtract the rebates being offered and use that as your starting price but be prepared to go up to the 15% off price.  Remember, buying in this market is all about getting your best price so start low, dealers start high. 

by jeffersnet

Check the value of your trade before going shopping.  Go to kbb.com and check the blue book value, use the TRADE IN VALUE, select the options you have and remember that an excellent rating means show room condition and usually the best maintained car is not in show room condition. 

You want to try to get more than this value for your trade but don't be too agressive, car salesmen have to eat too. 

by lukcad

Nice post. My comment is banner. Everytime when this post will reviwed, you will see the new information in this advertise module implemented like comment into your post.

Sincerely, LukCAD

by jeffersnet

If you are shopping two or more locations for your new car or truck make sure that you are looking at the same thing and if you aren't then remember that more features will mean more money but also more value for you now and when you trade it in.  If you don't need or want those extra features, don't pay for them but don't expect the dealer to eat the cost of what you don't need.  Some dealers tend to order a lot of loaded stock while some order a lot of base models.  If you are really picky you may need to order what you want but don't expect to get as much off the MSRP.  Most dealers can locate the car or truck that fits your needs but  if they have to go very far you will end up paying those charges. 

Dealers always want to sell from stock and will be more willing to drop the price on those cars.  A dealership also orders what they believe will sell the best so if you want to be different from the crowd then expect to pay a little more. 

by jeffersnet

Just about every rule has an exception and I was thinking about something I wrote earlier and I don't think I made it clear enough when I stated that most new cars and trucks have a 15-19% markup.  There are a few that aren't marked up as much but these are the exception to the rule.  The information you need about the markup is always available on the Internet so be sure to check before you buy.  The goal remains the same no matter how much mark up there actually is on the car, buy at or close to invoice, do not pay MSRP!  If you can't get the dealer to come off of MSRP enough then simply go to another dealer.   

by jeffersnet

Maybe it isn't such a good thing to let everyone in on the secrets of buying a new car or truck so why do I do it?  I am only selling them part time and I don't get paid a percentage of the gross like the full time guys so the only way this will hurt me is if the boss reads it and he is not a computer guy so he won't be at this site.  During the day I am a mild mannered System Engineer specializing in Lotus Notes and at night and on weekends I change into SuperSalesMan. 

Hey, if you are ever in Lincoln, NE stop by Husker Auto Group and ask for Jeff over in the truck department.  I can sell from any department including BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac, Pontiac, GMC and Chevrolet. 

by jeffersnet

Don't forget to check the bank rates before you shop, in fact it is better to get a loan at your local credit union or bank before shopping.  Most of the time you can go into the bank and get approved then pick out and negotiate for your car, then give the bank the info so you can pick up your new ride.  The finance people at the dealership may be able to get you a better rate so go ahead and listen to them but with a banks pre-approval you already have a competitive rate.  The finance people are going to try to make money off you in two ways, raising your rate so they get the difference and selling you stuff like an extended warranty or gap insurance.  I"ll write more on these add ons in a later blog. 

by jeffersnet

Most of us guys don't know a whole lot about fashion so the old saying, keep it simple stupid (KISS) should be on your mind when you pick out your clothing. 

Don't mix patterns!  Some people can get away with this but if you are not a fashion guru don't try it. 

Match your socks with your pants!  You can wear boots if you really only want to wear white or black socks.  While in the military I had to wear black socks all of the time and some people never break this habit but it doesn't look go together. 

Belt and shoes must match!  At least try to keep them close.

Cartoon ties don't allow you to be taken as seriously as you may want.  Be careful here, only certain people can pull this off.

Tan pants will go with about anything.  If you have trouble with colors then buy different shades of tan pants, they stay in style and match most colors. 

Orange doesn't go with much.  Wear it with black and you look like you are ready for Halloween, tan pants will work but if you wear a tie it could be hard to find one that works. 

Sunglasses should be kept simple and don't wear them inside.  Don't wear wrap around shades when dressed for business or any others that look sporty.  Also, don't pick wild frames for regular glasses.   

Bling is not the thing.  Don't wear huge watches or rings for business, even the real ones look fake when they are huge and are worn by a man. 

Pocket protectors and too much stuff in your pockets looks bad.  You don't have a duty to keep up a geek image by stuffing several pens and a slide rule in your shirt pocket while having a phone and PDA attached to your belt.  Everyone already knows who the nerds are. 

by jeffersnet

Gap  insurance covers the difference between what the car is worth and what you owe.  If you wreck your car as you are driving off the lot your insurance company won't want to pay what you owe but gap insurance will.  It's a gamble you have to be willing to take if your insurance company doesn't take care of you and you don't have gap.  Check with your insurance company and review your policy before getting a new car because you may not need this insurance.  Don't just trust people to tell you the truth, educate yourself.

This discussion is closed to new replies.