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.
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!
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.
