# Car Salespeople: Evolve, Dammit! (Mini Rant) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 16, 2008, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-salespeople-evolve-dammit-mini-rant/460276 "2008-08-16T23:14:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2008, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-salespeople-evolve-dammit-mini-rant/460276/81 "2008-09-21T17:33:11Z")
I actually had a pretty good experience when I bought my 2008 Saturn Vue last month (sadly, I must report that I sold my beloved Chrysler 300). I’ve never considered a Saturn because I think the whole “no haggle” tactic is total bullshit. But they were running one of their very rare sales, plus a rebate, which put the vehicle below factory invoice. It was still no-haggle, but was such a screaming deal that it was actually pleasant. They still tried to sell me upholstery and paint protection and extended warranty nonsense (even after I told them I used to sell RVs) , but a firm “no” put that to rest. The only irritating part was when they offered me $17K for the 300, when it retails (high) for $25K. I understand that all that employee pricing in the past has ruined the secondary market, but the 300 is a very easy car to sell. They know it. I know it. So why the bullshit? I sold it within two weeks on Craigslist for $22K. ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2008, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-salespeople-evolve-dammit-mini-rant/460276/82 "2008-09-21T23:45:18Z")
> [@Bites\_When\_Provoked](#): > > Seriously, who throws in extras after the sale is made? What a great guy! Our old Land Rover sales guy always did stuff like that- logo items (hats, gym bags, t-shirts), extra spare tire cover or floor mats, commuter mugs (for a while, certain LR models would only accept LR mugs in the cup holders- lame), off-road driving classes, whatever. Graham was awesome- as a family, we bought five cars from him, and made damned sure the GM knew why. In fact, he convinced my SIL to fill out a contest card when she bought her Discovery, even though she protested that she never wins anything. Of course, she won- it was a flight on a private jet to Sun Valley, Idaho, plus rental car for four days, plus a condo at Sun Valley Lodge for four days- all free. She couldn’t go, so she told my husband and I to take the trip. :eek: The plane belonged to the owner of the dealership, and one customer or family from each of his three dealerships won the same trip. We had a **blast**. As a matter of fact, our youngest son was conceived on that trip! 😃 There are so many reasons I loved Land Rover… 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-salespeople-evolve-dammit-mini-rant/460276/83 "2008-09-22T11:38:21Z")
I boght a new car in June- it’s VW Polo TDI, and I love it. **Last week** I got a call from the dealership we decided not to go with (more expensive, too pushy, aggressive sales techniques) to tell me they had some information on Polos they thought I might be interested in. Guess what, I’m not interested. You not hearing back from me was a sign I went elsewhere, 4 fucking months ago! I got my car from a family dealership who were polite, friendly and who managed to knock money off, add in some extras and get me a car within the week, all without being pushy at all. I think the hard sell loses customers. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-salespeople-evolve-dammit-mini-rant/460276.md?page=4)