I sell cars for a living and I'm proud of it.

[Condem]

When people hear this, I get the thousand yard stare. "You poor dear, how on earth are you making it?" Psssssst. Hey, DU. I'll tell you a little secret. I don't care if I sell one fucking new car this year. We make our money on used. It's always been that way. That's where the market is right now. The good dealerships will survive. The mega-dealers who floorplan their new shit to the hilt are going down. It's survival of the fittest. Cold, I know. The small to mid-size family owned dealerships will be the one's who make it. The conglomerates? Dead.

[deaniac21]

1. Hey, at least it's not life insurance.

[Demobrat]

2. I always thought car dealers made their money

on repairs and service.

[rgbecker]

5. Undercoating.

[Condem]

7. Nah, Demobrat.

You have to pay a mechanic an hourly fee. A damn good one. You don't pay us shit until we sell something.

[TahitiNut]

8. I thought it was the profits on the vending machines people used while waiting for their cars.

:dunce:

[blues90]

15. The ford dealers I worked for depended on service because sales was always down

They had certified used cars that were checked over for safety . But that was before 2001 when everything began to fall apart. They bundled new car loans and buying a new car became a day long process.

I wouldn't buy a new car even if I had the cash to do so. They lose their value right out the door. Besides they cost far more than they are worth.

[Demobrat]

18. I wouldn't buy any car from a dealer.

Based on past experience. If I ever need to buy a car again, god forbid, it will be used from a private party.

[Condem]

30. Good luck with the warranty.

[Demobrat]

36. The "warranty" is why I'll never buy from a dealer again.

They fought tooth and nail to get out of paying for something that was covered. They did in the end, but it sure was amazing how their attitude changed when I actually had to use the warranty they claimed was such a good deal. Not worth it.

[Condem]

40. The dealer or the warranty company?

There's a big difference.

[Demobrat]

43. It was the dealer I dealt with.

They went from my new best friend to insisting that the rear axle problem was my fault.

[Condem]

46. Used car or new? What type of warranty?

I need facts.

[Demobrat]

47. Used Mazda RX7.

I paid extra for the "warranty".

[Condem]

50. Here's what's going on, Demobrat.

The "warranty" company said no to your problems. But, left it up to the dealership to forward it. CALL THEM! You have the paperwork.

[Demobrat]

53. Oh thanks, but that was a long time ago.

I live in downtown San Francisco and don't have a car anymore. That experience did sour me on auto dealerships though, especially since the problem surfaced after I had the car for a week. I'll never believe they didn't know about it.

[blues90]

69. there are all sorts of warrenties

new car and I can only speak for ford. On the new cars it's 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper . but from what i've seen it pays to get the extended warrenty because a trans or engine failure can cost a forture and is common . But it costs . it's a gamble , also it pays to stick to the same dealer and keep records ot all yur service records because if you don't do the regular service they can de cline the repair. Used cars have all sorts of out side warrenties some are good some not so good and the thing that is an issue is if you buy a ford certified used car and it's not a ford then it goes to whatever dealer who does say honda work and then they give an estimate and then you call the company and see if what is broken is covered so it takes a lot of time to sort it out.

Most of all it depends on the technician who checks it out , many are looking to make money and all techs in dealerships get paid by the job a commission not by the actual hour but what the actula job pays per the chilton labor manual. So based on that you can be told you need things you don;t need at all.

I was honest when I was a tech at ford and I was fast but I never made more than 26,000 gross per year the other techs made 150,000 per year and many of their repairs came back on their day off , one fellow paid just over $1,200 on an A/C repair , new compressor and evaporator and hoses and o=rings and he came in on that techs day off with the same issue and he begged me to look at it and all it needed was a drive belt that slipped but made no noise and I knew the tech was a crook . Now when you change a compressor you have to remove the belt , so how could ? because what he did was take the new parts and save them and clean the old parts with chemical spray and really did no repair and sold the new parts on the side. I replaced the belt and it worked fine. I worked on cars for over 30 years and most techs say 75 % are not honest. when I became the shop foreman and assistent manager of the service dept I knew what tech would fix the issue and the ones that would not . I back flagged the crook and paid the one who fixed the concern . Service advisors sell work and they know nothing about cars so they sell what the tech tells them the car needs . People seem to think that a service advisors knows cars but most do not , this was true many years ago but not now. So good luck . Some used car outside repair insurers will send the dealer a junk yard transmission because that is their policy but the owner never knows this. I could go on for days on these issues. basically all reapirs are based on a hour figure so to make money if the job pays 2 hours you need to get it done in less than 2 hours because you get only that , so if the tech gets a base of $20 per hour , if he is good and honest does it in one hour that's $40 per hour if he cheats and does not do the work that's $40 in minutes. A fule injector flush is a can and hose takes 10 minutes really does nothing and cost you 1 hours at $85 per hour and the can of cleaner no real work involved so really beware of dealer sold service add ons do what the manufacturer recommends only.

[Condem]

71. Good post, blues

Thank you.

[blues90]

33. I've never owned a new car

What's the point . it's just transportation and I always got a simple car or van without all the extra crap . I can live without power anything or A/C or 500 HP. The car does not make the person. I've had the same car since 1985 and it's a 1973 VW squareback and it still runs just fine and is simple to repair and has power nothing. And it gets 38.5 MPG on the highway. If it dies I'll walk or take the bus. Think of not having insurance or finding a place to park of red light camera worries and even though I do my own repairs if needed there is still parts and tires and brakes and all the crap needed just to get somewhere. Not to mention gas and oil. I took the bus to work and got there faster and had no worries at all. A few block walk to the stop and few block walk to work from the stop.

[Demobrat]

38. Me neither. I'm car free now and hope it stays that way.

But if I ever do need a car again I'll get a used one-owner Honda or Toyota.

[Condem]

39. Hey, blues. Guess what?

I can buy any car I want right now. Far below cost. I drive a 99 Buick LeSabre. 90,000 miles. Best car I ever owned. Fuck Toyota. And Honda.

[rusty quoin]

3. My dad is a retired car salesman. He survived in good and bad times.

And you are right. Selling used is where the money is.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

4. Selling is a noble profession

I've given talks at local business groups, and every once in a while I will ask those assembled "How many of you are in sales?"

Invariably, half of the hands in the room go up.

I look at the half with their hands down and wish them well in their new careers.

Every man and woman with a job...or a relationship...or a family...or friends...is "in sales."

:patriot:

[paulsby]

11. salesmen make good cops

generally speaking. i've been a field training officer, and i think sales experience is about the best experience you can have.

it teaches people how to listen (extremely important), how to pick up nonverbal cues (same), how to persuade people, etc.

a huge part of police work is effective communication, and using verbal judo and persuasion.

if you can sell a car, you can sell "sir, you need to submit to handcuffing" too.

effective communicators are much less likely to have to resort to force, etc.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

20. My dad was a cop, and he built the values in me that made me an effective salesman

...I am a "sole proprietor," which means I am my sales force. As the saying goes, "If it is to be, it's up to me." It works out well because I have a passion for sales. It really is an art, when it's practiced by the right salesperson.

All of the qualities you mention...they are essential.

Ineffective, amateurish sales people...or cops...PUSH.

Effective, professional salespeople...or cops...are a MAGNET.

:patriot:

[paulsby]

24. nature/nurture

im not sure to what extent these skills are natural (or at least developed trhough childhood so they are readily manifested by age 21), but some people simply "have it" and some don't.

they can definitely learn and improve but a true natural salesman naturally puts people at ease, establishes rapport, etc.

same with the "natural" cop. iow, i think the skills can be developed but some people are just much better at it than others, and some NEVER get it.

[rtassi]

31. Amen to that! n/t

[tanngrisnir3]

6. Hats off to you! I sold cars for three years and it was the toughest...

business I've ever had.

And that's coming from someone who's owned his own busines and been a cop.

[Wetzelbill]

9. typical slick used car salesman

:)

[Condem]

10. Thanks, Wetzelbill.

Can I hep ya?

[Wetzelbill]

12. be honest

I am just a simple, doltish, farm hick, you would take me to the cleaners on a lemon wouldn't you? :)

[Condem]

17. To be honest, Wetzelbill

I'll tell you if the car is a piece of shit. Otherwise, I can only lead the horse to water.

[Wetzelbill]

21. outside of me just giving you hell

Yeah that's about all you could do I imagine.

[katanalori]

14. what I do for a living is.........

you know the little toothpicks with the cellophane on them? The ones that hold the olive in your martini??
I am the person who glues the cellophane onto the toothpicks!
None of this is true, but it is the story I tell anyone who asks.
Because, horror of horrors..........I am a real estate broker.

[Wetzelbill]

19. lol

Is there a strike by lightning smiley around here? :)

That's ok, I used to be a bull rider, which meant I made money harming defenseless animals who somehow had a penchant for putting me in the hospital. :)

[davsand]

27. Car salesmen look sane next to bull riders.

You guys are flipping nuts to do that. I knew a former bull rider one time that had the entire side on his face stove in by a bull and he claimed he MISSED riding...

I do NOT miss selling cars.


Laura

[Wetzelbill]

29. I can't argue with that

I wrecked my knee and shoulder, had a concussion, cracked my wrist and elbow, was kicked in the chest once and bruised my heart and a lung. The only reason I stopped was because I started to concentrate on wrestling.

And yes, I miss it. :)

[davsand]

48. You were doing something most other people never try and probably can't do.

That was his reasoning, anyway.

I will never forget asking him once how he managed to hang on during those rides--given how wild they get. His response was that he remembered how bad it hurt when you fall off and hit the dirt--and that kept him hanging on.

Y'all are just a different breed--I am convinced of it.

:hi:


Laura

[Wetzelbill]

99. it didn't seem all that odd to me

I was raised around it, I always looked at it as a sport more than anything. :) Wrestling was a lot tougher overall, because you have to almost kill yourself training and cutting weight and you're competing against the most intelligent and adaptable animal on earth, another human being.

But to ride bulls, I can't deny, you do need to have a different mindset, those things can potentially kill a person. You have to respect that power. It's the sort of thing that if you fear it you are assuring yourself of serious injury. You have to be totally devoid of fear to be any good at it at all. Everybody gets nervous, but that's something you can use, fear, well that is a major enemy if you are riding something where you have little room for error.

[conscious evolution]

110. I tried riding a bull once

probably one of the dumbest things I have ever attempted.
Definitely the longest .7 seconds I have ever experienced.
And it was not even a full grown bull like the ones the pro's were riding.

[defendandprotect]

13. How are the AUCTIONs effecting you --?

We had three pages of legal news of auctions recently in our town paper ---

evidently the sheriff's son has done well in what he hauled in!!!

No investigation yet!!

[Condem]

22. Starting to feel the effects, defend.

Used prices are going up. Nobody's buying new. Yet.

[mediaman007]

16. So what is my best bet? Should I find the used car that I want or

take advantage of the new car tax break?

[Greyhound]

23. If you're going to buy a Honda or maybe Toyota, buy new. The resale on those is astronomical,

so there's not much point in buying used, if you are buying something else let the previous owner take the hit.

[Condem]

28. What a laugh, Greyhound.

The most overrated cars in the history of our world. What fucking crap.

[Skip Intro]

35. I've sampled many cars, and I've been more impressed by my Toyota than any other.

1980 Celica Supra.

I bought it with well over 100,000 miles on it.

You could not kill that car.

And treated it like crap.

For years. And years.

It never let me down, I never had to take it to a mechanic.

I've had Chevy and Olds and Pontiac and Ford and, currently, VW, and all have put holes in my wallet.

As soon as I get the chance to buy a Toyota again, and it will be used, I will. I'm looking for another Celica, preferably the 94-99 body style, well cared for and with relatively low miles. Any ideas where I might find one?

[defendandprotect]

42. This is also what I'm hearing . .. people are looking for Honda/Toyota best years . . .'88, etc.

[Condem]

44. Skip. Try E-Bay.

Hate to say it, but for something that old- your best bet. Just be careful. Or try every Toyota dealership in a 500 mile radius.

[Harry Monroe]

55. Overrated?

I have bought an Oldsmobile, Ford a Geo and 2 Toyotas. (a small truck and a Matrix) The Oldsmobile's transmission totally failed 1 month after I bought it. It spent more time in the shop than on the road. The Ford was a piece of shit as well. The Geo I bought in 1994 has a Toyota engine, I still have it. Ditto for the Toyota truck I bought in 1993. I bought the Matrix in the summer of 2007 and it is running great.

I guess you aren't a Toyota or Honda salesman? I will never buy another car with checking with "Consumer Reports" again!! Toyotas have been the best, most reliable automobiles I have ever owned (and I still own them!!)

[Condem]

56. Sold them both, Harry.

You swallowed the bait hook, line & sinker. Cheers to Ralph fucking Nader! Now, jump off the nearest bridge, turnip.

[Harry Monroe]

107. I swallowed nothing

I believe in value for the money. From my experience, Toyota delivers. Explain why most of their vehicles are recommended by Consumer Reports year after year (an unbiased publication, I may add).

You are beginning to sound angry Condom! Jump off the nearest bridge? I'd be frustrated in this economy. Remind me never to buy an automobile from you!!

[tanngrisnir3]

59. Ha! What's crap is the idea that Hondas/Toyotas are overrated

Having sold Hondas for three years, one of the reasons I stuck around was because they were incredibly easy to sell, compared to any other car out there. They're simply a better product, with only Toyota and Subaru being comparable.

I'm starting to doubt you sell cars.

[Condem]

62. You're an order taker, tanngrisnir.

Nothing more. What ya doing now?

[tanngrisnir3]

67. A Honda salesman is an order taker? Sales are sales...

In our dealership group, we had Honda, Subaru, Mazda and Ford/Linc/Merc.

All I know is that Honda sales were painless, unless it was all about price, Subarus were close to that, and the poor slobs who worked at the FLM lot had hard days, every day, because of what they sold.

This was some time ago, I'm back to other things now.

[Condem]

70. Back to other things?

All that tells me is you sucked. If I had a fucking dollar for every time I heard that.

[tanngrisnir3]

79. I don't disclose current information about myself of websites, child.

You may be a car salesman, but you're a con. I know exactly the type.

Pity you have no idea what you're talking about.

[Condem]

82. That's why you failed in the business.

A lack of self confidence. I can see right through you, tanngrisnir. Good luck in your present endeavor.

[tanngrisnir3]

89. Swing, and a miss.

I sold plenty of cars, but it's a boring, dull job. Selling a car does not produce a thrill or sense of satisfaction except to those who get people in so deep over their heads that the money alone gets them hooked on the sale.

You're a con, and that's ok. I'm just glad I don't work with cons any longer.

[Condem]

Yessirree, we're all cons.

You failed at it. I didn't. Who's the con?

[tanngrisnir3]

94. Nah, I chose to leave an boring, usually unethical environment.

You choose to wallow in it. But you're a con, and that's ok. It's all you know, so anyone who would voluntarily leave it appears odd to you, appears frightening to you.

I'm just glad I don't work with cons any more.

[Condem]

95. What shames you, tanngrisnir?

Testify! You might have been good. Something happened. What?

[Greyhound]

102. Have you noticed how many car sales people have multiple divorces

lots of substance abuse problems and only know other car salespeople?

My experience sounds similar to yours, made decent money (~$80K) in they year I did it, but felt bad about it. I still remember some of the names of the people that I helped screw, and the higher up the auto chain you went, the more heinous the assholes. No humanity whatsoever.

[tanngrisnir3]

111. Yup. It's almost like the Land of Unwanted Toys, except...

it's the land of unwanted people.

Every decent person who could make a living at it knew that those who really prosper are usually, almost exclusively ethically-bankrupt people, and even if that person him/herself is a decent sort, others aroud them do their best to fuck the customer over (especially once they get in front of the finance guy with the door closed). Divorce, egotism and alcoholism (although some drugs were there) are all part and parcel. The good ones leave.

Believe me, I've met more pathalogical types as a car salesman than as a cop, and that's saying something.

I didn't want it rubbing off on me, so I left. I think ownership, management and myself were likely all equally pleased.

[LanternWaste]

112. Self delete...

Self delete...

[Shakespeare]

98. Yeah, because so many people aspire to be car salesmen.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Damn, to think of what could have been!

:rofl:

[Harry Monroe]

108. Me too!!

I'm beginning to doubt this guy is an automobile salesman. Probably a troll

[Greyhound]

100. Say it all you like, but the prices don't lie. Unlike car salesmen. n/t

[mediaman007]

41. Thanks!

We're thinking of another Chrysler Town and Country (used).

[Condem]

49. Take it to your mechanic.

Simple as that. Then, if it fucks up, you have someone to blame.

[Greyhound]

101. You're welcome. I just don't understand the vehemence of these people, (see replies above)

I didn't say anything good or bad about any of the cars, just that they lose a lot of value and can be bought for much less used, except for those two brands, they cost almost as much used as they do new.
I guess everybody's, understandably, a little on edge.:shrug:

[Condem]

25. I've been selling cars for fifteen years, mediaman.

I'd NEVER buy new. Drive off the lot and lose 10 grand, instantly. But, I don't want somebody elses problems. Yeah, whatever.

[PM Martin]

26. One up side of this bubble bursting is

that we may see the return of entrepreneurship as opposed to the conglomerates sucking the life out of the market and angling for every penny they can get.
Used cars are going to be the trend for the next decade. People have less money so they are going to be inclined not going to fork the sticker price on a new car.

[TheCowsCameHome]

32. I've got $50,000 in cash to spend and I don't know anything about cars.

How about something very plain, about 10 years old, with high mileage.

Can you help me?

:rofl:

PS - Nice woody you've suddenly got there, young man.

[Condem]

34. Yeah, Cows, that happens every fucking day.

Let me give you directions to my mansion on the hill.

[TheCowsCameHome]

37. It'd be nice, though.

[AlCzervik]

45. i like the guy that sold me my car, i knew exactly what i wanted and what price

i would pay, he had it, gave me a reasonable price, took my trade and gave me a good deal on that as well. i got what i wanted and nothing more.

[Condem]

51. SOME of us are honest, Al. I swear.

[AlCzervik]

52. he was great and if i knew someone that wanted to buy the brand of car i have i'd send

them over to see him, i wouldn't rebuy this car or another from this company but....i did my research, i knew what i was possibly getting into. I also had a ton of information before i went there which is always helpful.

[Condem]

54. The crazy thing is , Al.

Anybody who comes on our lot and DOESN"T know what they're looking for is a rube. The truth.

[Contrary1]

57. For anyone buying a used car:

Ask for a vehicle history report on the car. If the dealer shows you a title at all, it will most likely list them as the owner at the top. That's not good enough.

Many dealers will brag about the wonderful trade-ins they have. Chances are the car came from an auction. Less than honest dealers will ship a flood/frame damaged vehicle clear across the country, hoping some other dealer or consumer will buy it at auction. By the time the proof of damage shows up, it has already passed through one or more dealers, maybe even sold to a customer.

Be wary if the title work shows the car has been shuffled back and forth across state lines multiple times in a short period.

Look under the mats, wheel wells. Check for touch up paint around the engine. Have them raise it on a lift and check the underside. Better yet, ask a mechanic you trust to take a look at it.

Never sign an "As Is" paper at a used car dealer, get at least a 30 day warranty included.
Have your own financing and loan approvals ready before you go, not after.

If the dealer balks at any of this, you need to shop elsewhere.

[Condem]

60. Mister, when my ship comes in....

ain't ever going to ride in no used car agin.

[flvegan]

58. I'd never buy a new car.

Unless I was filthy rich and in the Ferrari/Lambo market. I bought my Mazdaspeed3 a year ago. 6 months old and 6k miles, $8k below sticker. Used will (almost) always be how I'll buy, and I don't mind a dealership making a bit of money so long as I get good value for dollar.

[Condem]

63. How's the pit bulls, flvegan?

[flvegan]

65. Doing great, thanks.

And the reason I needed a hatchback (though I personally needed the horsepower).

[Condem]

66. Never forget you for coming to my aid with the Vick pups.

To think that fucker will be playing again in a year.

[flvegan]

68. Hopefully he won't.

And if he does, I'll enjoy the highlight reels of huge men taking extra-hard shots on him on the field. If he does play, if there's any justice, he'll be crippled on the field.

[StreetKnowledge]

61. I once was a car salesman.

And yes, we are not all suckersuit wearing, lying morons who want to sell you all overpriced, stolen lemons. We are good people, too. :)

The good guys will do just fine in this mess, because the people who know the good dealers will continue to frequent the goods dealers for cars, new or used.

[Condem]

64. Well said, Street.

Well said.

[Brooklyns_Finest]

72. I bought a new car recently

My last 2 cars were used, and I decided I wanted to treat myself this time with something new. I got myself an 09 Accord. I must say, I worked the dealerships to death. If you are in the market for a new car, do not go to the dealership. Contact them via their internet sales person and then pit them against themselves. I learned all the tricks from Edmunds car forum. I don't know how I did it, but I convinced these fools to give me a brand new car at $1000 below invoice. I also got them to throw in some goodies.

Also, DO NOT pay for the extended warranty. They mark that shit up like crazy. While I have not purchased it myself, you can actually buy the exact same extended warranty that the dealership offered you from another dealership at slighly above COST. Yup, Honda tried to sell me their extended warranty for $2k. I did my research and another dealership was selling if to $885, $100 above cost.

Futhermore, if you are interested in leather, it is cheaper to buy it after market. Honda quoted me $2000 for leather interior. I told the sales dude to take a hike. I ordered the leather package from leatherseats.com and had my local upholstery guy install it in my car. In total it cost me about$1100.

If you are in the market of getting a new car, you need to realize that these sales freaks will work you if you seem too eager. If you do go to the showroom and their offer sucks, do not be afraid to walk away. Invariablly they will call you with a better offer.

Also, never pay MSRP. And invoice really is not invoice. With the dealer hold back and other incentives they get for corporate they will make some kind of profit. Rest assured, the dealer will not sell a car for 0 profit. Your job is to minimize their profit and maximize your savings.

[Condem]

73. Gosh, Mr. Edmunds, you're the shit!

Do you buy everything like that?

[Brooklyns_Finest]

76. I'm assuming you are being sarcastic

Yes, in fact, I always try to get the best deal possible. I hate paying full price for anything. I will take the extra time to haggle if it will save me a couple of bucks.

It is actually really fun.

[Condem]

77. Nope. I'm not, Brooklyn.

For most people, only cars. Tell them the Amana is 695$, it's no problem. Just cars.

[Brooklyns_Finest]

83. I just find it crazy

that in this day and age people pay full price for shit. All you have to do is a cursory check on the internet and you can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars (on whatever).

When it comes to buying cars, the sales guys are pretty cool. I actually respect them. It is a tough job, especially dealing with people like me. It is the finance freaks that piss me off. They are always trying to convince you to purchase a whole bunch of crap that you don't need. I mean if I wanted a remote starter I would have asked for it.

[Condem]

84. They have to ask, Brooklyn.

That's how the make their $$$.

[Brooklyns_Finest]

90. Of course

It's all good. I am sure you will continue to do well.

I like the premiss of your OP. It is like the people on this board who feel sorry for guys who are in or join the military. As if they (once me) don't actually enjoy being in. They just don't know..........

[Hawaii Hiker]

74. Alot of todays cars are just plain ugly - Many are just

too boxy, bulky, & simply not nice looking...

The cars of the 1990's were so much nicer: the 91-96 Nissan 300ZX, Lexus SC 300/400, the early 1990's Mercedes 420/560 SEL, 1990 Acura Legend Coupe...

Todays cars, :banghead:

[Condem]

75. Ya forgot the Buick LeSabre, Hiker. 99.

I'll forgive you just this once.

[AlCzervik]

81. Mazda needs to bring back the original Rx-7 ], i had a 1990 rx7 gtu and that was

the funnest and best driving experience i ever had.

The rx8 with that tiny suicide door and back seat---no, just no.

[flvegan]

87. Mazda doesn't have space in the market for 2 two-seaters.

Make the RX-8 a two seater, then you have to chop the roof off for some of them. Bye Miata.

[AlCzervik]

93. that would be okay with me. I would without a doubt by another rx7 if they brought it back.

i would never buy a miata.

[flvegan]

96. It was a fantastic car. That high redline

of the Wenkel engine. I looked at the RX-8 before buying my Mazdaspeed, but I just didn't care for it.

I think they should take the Miata and make it a hybrid. Re-draft the RX8 as a two-seater performance car. Roofless or not. The current RX8 is an oddity. It's not a true sports car, and both Mazdaspeed models (the 3 and the 6) have 4 seats each and will blow the doors off of it for less money.

[sutz12]

78. I don't know...

I've seen 4 or 5 smaller local dealerships closed up the past couple of months in my area. Obviously, you've got something going for you. Good luck.

[Condem]

80. Yeh, I should have clarified that a little better, sutz.

The ones with $$$$$. Probably more mid-sized. The tiny ones are getting hammered.

[sutz12]

85. Hey, I have my prejudices about used car salesmen...

But right now, I figure you guys are small businessmen trying to make things work, providing jobs, etc.

Go for it!

[Condem]

86. Thanks, sutz.

I hope, you too, are doing well.

[kcass1954]

97. 600 closed up last year in South Florida.

Some were just wholesalers, but a lot of little dealers, and some bigger ones that had financing problems. You get too much on that floor plan, and then have a bad couple of weeks - you're screwed.

[Wiley50]

88. I was selling Pont-Buick-GMC at a small family lot in TN when Saturn Plant moved in 8 miles north

As the red shirted GM floks moved in I made a killing selling Employee Evaluation Program (PEP) cars out of the corporate fleet with 3000 miles on them for 23% off list. They had to keep a car 6 months and then sold to a brother or cousin and bought another. so I had folks I'd sold 6 cars to in 3 years.

Then, the Saturn dealerships opened up and, like a fool bought the "Different Kind of Car Company" crap, hook, link and sinker. Quit and went to sell Saturns. 45 days later, when they figured out my whole sales book was customers who worked in the plant, they asked for my keys and sent me packing. They had an old used mgr who came with the gang who bought the dealership and had already made a deal with him to handle all of the employee deals on salary.

I was so screwed up in the head from all of this I quit selling entirely and went back to installing carpet. now I'm disabled with 10 blown disks in my back and little to show for my troubles.

[Condem]

91. Look at Saturn now, Wiley.

They sure are a different kind of car company. Out of business. My father- GM retiree, now deceased. Thank fucking Christ for that because he would surely have shot himself to see what GM has become.

[Brooklyns_Finest]

92. Wow

Interesting story. Good luck to you.

[Common Sense Party]

103. Good for you. I've been a stockbroker, so I know about the lack

of respect.

I'll only buy used, BTW. I have no intention of ever buying a new car again.

[EFerrari]

104. My dad sold cars before he sold grain futures. He was much happier

selling cars. He could sell you sand in the desert at noon. :)

[eridani]

105. Didn't know that about used cars, and am glad to hear it

I've always had used cars, sometimes from want ads and sometimes from dealers. Glad to know I've been putting bread into your mouth instead of taking it out.

[KillCapitalism]

106. That's great if you're selling well in this economy.

I have a friend that sells Pontiac/GMC & he hasn't been doing so well in the past year or two. He was kicking ass at it back in the high flying easy credit days.

It's a tough job for sure, I know I couldn't do it, I doubt I could even sell a 40 oz. bottle of beer to an alcoholic.

[taterguy]

109. Thank you for fucking up the planet

I was getting kind of sick of it

[happyiowan]

113. I know better.....

to wade in to flame bait, but I had quite the day. What the hell? Isn't this a bit of a false analogy? The person who sells cars is somehow responsible for the fact that cars exist. The reality of where I live, whether I like it or not, is that he who does not have a car has a hard time having employment. We here in rural areas have to travel in order to work and mass transportation isn't an option for us. I find your reply is just plain mean and unnecessary.

[likesmountains 52]

114. Don't bother...he's a Johnny One Note on this...