Can't Stand the Dealers
 

Okay I know there's a thousand forums about how awful the dealers are, but seriously, is there anyway to have a semi decent time when you go? I went to both a Scion and a Subaru dealer really just to look at the cars and ask a couple questions (both were on my home from work) and both places shrugged me off and treated me like I was 5.

Scion was first up, I was greeted immediately by 7 or 8 workers lounging outside by their pointing at me and sneering in the most rude manner possible. Then one of them approached me and said "Looking to trade in that piece of junk for a new car?" at which point I wanted to run him over. He proceeded to tell me about their brand new frs, how it is superior to all of it's previous models and a bunch of incorrect information (This car only has 200 hp, but you'll be surprised when you launch past every mustang on the street). Then he informed me, without my asking, that I didn't have a chance at trying to test drive one because another "mindless kid your age scraped the curb a few months ago in one of these and I'm not taking the chance that you'll be just as stupid as he was." As soon as he said that I left.

But hey, some people are just rude, and the subaru dealer was literally a street down. I figured I'd go there instead. Not a single person would even talk to me for the first 15 minutes. Then when one guy walked by and I grabbed him real quick he smiled and said "where's your parents, little one?". I get it, I'm 19 and young, but I don't look 7. After a lot of the stuff that happened at the Scion dealer began to repeat I just said, "Sorry but I should be going" and he muttered under his breath waste of time, and then smiled and waved to me. On the way out I saw him motion a few of his coworkers and I watched through the window as he pointed over at me and shook his head.

Guess I ranted on about that a lot longer than I thought, but come on. I'm trying to seriously look into buying soon and I can't be taken seriously anywhere I go. Besides, isn't this car marketed towards the younger crowd? :bs:

Come to California I'll let you test drive a BRZ, my dad will let you test drive an FR-S.

What makes your experience different is the personality of the salesperson. One person may not have the same experience as another person if they're talking about the same dealership because they dealt with two different sales consultants.

I'm 22 years old but I take every customer seriously. I've gone on a lot of BRZ test drives and I don't even take the dealership route...I take them to the twisty roads because that's where you truly experience the car.

If a person doesn't want to buy the car, all I do is give them my business card and wait for them to call me. I don't even ask for their number unless they ask me if I want it.

Everyone is different. It's too bad you're out in Florida. I'm positive I could give you an experience you'd never expect especially since I'm an enthusiast for the car :)

Well if you are up for a 20 hours drive my dealer will take care of you. There are good and bad in everything and you may just of had the crappy luck to hit the bad ones each time.

That's what I was truly hoping for! Finding someone that really has a love for the car. I remember a little bit ago my parents were in the market for a new car and the person that was showing them knew every little detail about it and just raved and raved about how happy he was with his. He even showed us his car. I know there's good salesmen out there but I'm astounded that some are this bad.

Sweet Jesus! I mean, I knew there were a-hole dealerships out there, but the ones you've encounter has to be some of the shittiest experiences from just trying to check out the vehicles. At this point, I would just forget them and find other dealerships that are ACTUALLY willing to work with you. Good luck!

The key word is "soon", you're 19 and not ready. They see this a mile away, next time bring a parent.

I'd actually still be 19 when I buy this car. But all I was trying to do was have a conversation with the people, not anything crazy. If I wanted to I could've walked away with the car that day as well because I have enough saved up. I'm just trying to save 6 months to a year of payments for security. But my parents live quite some distance away and also don't agree with me buying a different car so it would be nearly impossible to bring them.

At your age, I got similar reactions from dealers. It just goes with the territory. It doesn't make it right, but they see hundreds of flakes that act interested and then just want to tear up a new car.

Just curious about a couple things:

What's your Celica like? Is it clean and in good shape?
You said you came on your way home from work - what were you wearing?

Those things shouldn't matter, but they do.

My recommendation would be to find a third dealer, preferably one from the Whitelist on this forum, one that has the exact car you want to buy, if you like it. Contact them through the internet, leave a phone number or email addy (as long as your email addy isn't ballaboi696969@aol.com, or something else idiotic). When they get back with you, tell them what you want and set an appointment.

Arrive on time, your car clean (it'll increase its trade value, potentially) and dress somewhat nicely, like nice pants and a polo or button up.

If you can, arrange financing ahead of time that you're comfortable with, if you need it. That'll also reduce the chance of shenanigans once you hit the F&I office in the dealer.

Don't go if you're only wanting to beat on the car or aren't ready to buy today as you'll only reinforce the negative stereotype you've been experiencing.

#ThisiswhyFloridaSucks

I know at a couple of dealerships I have been at, both salespeople would have been fired pretty damn quickly if you had gone to talk to a GM after that. I would have asked to speak to an actual sales professional were I in your shoes, not some know-nothing who just works at the dealership for the discount.

I'm not in car sales, but I can tell you that insulting your customer and their car as soon as they drive up is just a pure recipe for failure.

It's in fairly good shape with the exception of the drivers door, but that door was always facing away from them so there wasn't a chance they could've seen it. I was wearing my work uniform which consisted of gray button up shirt (no tie) and black pants. I'm not too upset about them not taking me seriously as I understand for my age, what I'm upset about was their rude tone and insulting comments they threw at me every other sentence. No matter where you work that's not allowed, especially in a job where your pay largely depends on your friendliness. If I were to ever speak to a customer like that I'd be fired immediately.
But thanks for the tips!

Hey, Cleveland! That's where I'm from! :thumbsup:
That's exactly how I feel. I'm always on the edge about complaining to management because I don't like to think they deserve to lose their job over something so insignificant, but at the same time they should have some common courtesy. Their personalities were simply distasteful.

Don't count on that bro. As my sales manager at the dealership I used to work at says, "Shit runs downhill." Chances are that he gets a lot of that attitude from the people he works with which includes management. I fortunately got to work with an awesome management team and great GM and that trickled down to the rest of the team. This resulted in high sales with high customer satisfaction ratings.

LOL, it's definitely tough to not pre-judge but to have an attitude like that is uncalled for. I remember my sales manager tossing me a 89 year old man looking at an RX-8 thinking he was a secret shopper. I did my thing, took my time to show him the car, took him for a test drive, and he ended up buying it that day. They were only expecting me to re-iterate how our dealership did business (we were one of the first dealerships to have a pre-negotiated non-commission business model in our area at the time), then pretty much show him the door.

if someone acted like that to me, I would have gone out of my way to make sure they no longer worked at that dealership. how do people like that even get into a customer orientated job in the first place? it's ridiculous

Don't worry, it doesn't stop until you reach the age where you don't appear to be a kid, period.

I'm 23, and when I went to the scion dealership they treated me the same way you were treated. I had a 1998 buick le sabre to trade in that had 250k miles and was raggedy as shit. But I had a 5k down payment ready and was serious about buying a car.

One of the reasons I ended up with a BRZ instead was I ended up resorting to using e-mail to haggle, and people took me more seriously that way. (local subaru dealer pretty much did the same thing and said "that's the best price we can give you" even though it was MSRP).

Try emailing instead of showing up in person, and have some form of payment proof ready if you want to test-drive. If you have a pre-approved loan, or etc they'll definitely take you seriously.

If you want to test-drive before all this, just bring your dad and make your life easier. Turn it around and take advantage of them. Test drive the shit out of the car and walk away saying "well I'm gonna buy it, but not from you guys! have a good day"

I drove my decked out BRZ to the local Toyota dealer and told the manager that I would have bought the FRS if it wasn't for his employee. Revenge is always sweet.

There's no reason to accept or pass-off such demeaningly disrespectful attitude and service from sales people like that. You say it wasn't a big deal, but obviously it agitated you enough to post about it here.

If you weren't comfortable with asking to speak with a GM right there and then (which I'm SURE would've caused an immediate change in their attitude) then you should've asked for the name and phone number (or email) of the GM and contact him afterwards with the details (make sure you've got names too).

The only way anything will change for the better is if you speak up! If I were the GM of either of those dealerships and heard how badly a potential customer was treated like that?...I'd sure as hell straighten out the offenders!

Anyway, good luck to you and enjoy your new FRS/BRZ when you get it!

How the hell did you get my email address?!?!

Seriously though, screw those guys. If they don't want to deal walk off and spend your $$ with the people who will.

...Also I don't know if you're the vengeful type, but if you are ever bored you should:
>Get whichever of your friends has the nicest car (trust-fund baby ftw)
>Have them drive you up to those dealerships dressed like a personal valet.
>Tell them you want to buy your woman something nice at full price.
>Get 90% of the way through the paperwork
>Call them all assholes
>Walk away
>Drop a poop-dollar out on the lot
>Watch hilarity ensue from a safe distance.

maybe you look young. when i purchased one of a toyota before, i went to check out Mitsubishi. I drove a base model neon with gray bumper, no one care about me. i look around for a bit and took off. I came back in a few hours with my brother's modified mercedes, salesmans already opened my car door for me with smiles and welcome. the fact is that those guys at dealership they took turns for opportunities and sometimes they just dont want to waste their chance on someone looks young or poor.

Was it a uniform from a car wash or a fast food joint?

Are you working for the Livermore dealer? I plan to pick up a 2016 and I would love to give you my business.

Bruh.... Here's your shopping list: (Get your measurements from an older gentleman at a men's formal wear store, tell them your cousin is getting married and ask what is in style) Black or charcoal grey suit or tailored/fitted/slim fit shirt and pants, solid white shirt with spread collar, neutral solid color tie and black polished oxford dress shoes with a leather sole. None of this rubber sole plebe mess. Make sure the heels are hard enough that they click when you walk. This announces your presence and shows them you are better dressed than they are, because we know they can't physically handle leather soled shoes in their line of work. You'll want a thin black leather belt (I assume you are thin here) that matches your dress shoes exactly in color and sheen. Dress socks that match your tie. Fresh shaven, fresh haircut. The length of the pants is important here too long and you look like you're going to court too short and you look like your going to a wedding in a cheap suit instead of a tuxedo. Your pant leg should have a single wrinkle (slight) (1) from resting atop your dress shoe when standing and should prominently display your attention to detail for coordinating your socks and tie when sitting. Windsor knot that tie and be sure the bottom of your tie touches your belt when standing. minimize the garbage in your pockets, and get yourself a tie bar that matches your belt buckle color/sheen/style. Find someone with an 30k plus car to drop you off. You'll need a ride if you intend on driving home in your new fair weather car. You own a programming startup, are in a hurry, and would like to know if this is the car you're driving home today. :cheers: Hell this'll get you some phone numbers on your test drive.

Seriously though, at your age you should consider spending your savings on investments rather than depreciating assets. An investment in your education is likely the best way to spend your money. Save and work now, so you can live later. Still buy the dress clothes, bitches love dress clothes. Especially educated bitches that have't yet realize their economic value.

I've actually gotten a lot of merit based scholarships to assist in paying for school and the rest I've worked towards saving up for and I should have no problem financially affording school unless I decide to go past my masters, but I'm think I'll be stopping there.
I understand the "you've got plenty of time to do that, do this instead" kinda talk, but I also think you should have fun while you're young and can afford to be reckless. I'm not screwing my future over by buying this car, and I've put a lot of consideration into it and continue to while saving up. I really do appreciate the advice, though. Honestly.

No it was not, and not to sound pretentious but not everyone fits under the stupid, financially irresponsible, immature, fickle, rash stereotype us kids have. I don't think my age allows the dealers, or you for that matter, to pretend like because I'm young that I'm obviously in a lower class than everyone else. I know it's easy to believe everyone in a certain age group is the same after that belief if proven to be right time after time, but please do understand there are exceptions. No I don't have an extravagant job or can afford to buy a car on whim and not worry about it, but I also have more than pocket lint and some spare change.
Do try not to take this the wrong way, though. Not trying to overreact, just the constant insulting comments based on only one aspect of my life can get under my skin a bit.

If you were closer, I would let you test drive my car! (I've let my friend's boyfriend and my cousin putter around already).

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. My two experiences at the dealership were awesome and they could tell I'm in the younger crowd. Still treated me with respect and like another customer who was there to buy.

Hope you find some place that treat you better.

I think it's worth noting that these comments are meant to illuminate the fact that your appearance has an immediate affect on how stereotypes are reinforced. Don't take any of these comments as personal criticisms, but see them for the advice that they are. It's also noteworthy that if you act or react defensively to this behavior, then you also unknowingly reinforce the other person's belief that the stereotype is warranted. How you look and act have a much greater bearing on how you will be treated by others, and that is the takeaway for you. Just make sure that you find a dealer worth giving your commission to.

well if you're serious and can actually buy the car do the following.

go on truecar.com and get a price for the car. it will give you dealers in the area that they participate with and likely a couple will call/email you. pick the one you like the best and go there. tell them that's the price you'll per the website and if they don't you'll walk. this only matters if you're actually willing to walk and have all your ducks in a row to buy the car right there.
that's what I did and it was so simple I thought I was missing something. I had an idea what my car would trade for and told him a reasonable number for it. now the dealer I bought from was not a "truecar" dealer. didn't matter. I called up the dealer and asked the receptionist who her favorite sales person was and buttered her up a bit so she'd shoot me straight. when I finally talked to the guy I broke it down from him. I told him the truecar price I'd pay and that the other dealer offered to do the same but the sales guy was kind of a douche' but money talks so if he wanted to play ball I'd make this the easiest sale he's ever had. he agreed to all my terms. I went down to sign everything and picked up my car the next day when it came in.

easy as pie. we're buying Subarus/Scions not vintage collectable Ferrari's. the price point should be all but set in most any market.

I used to borrow my buddies E46 M3 when I wanted to go beat on cars. I'd put on some dark jeans and a plain button down shirt, left the Oakley Frogskins for some Rayban's and beat on a few neat cars that way.

When I pulled in with my Forester in winter mode, (zip tie bumper, a fog light out, etc,) and a flannel with half cabs, they couldn't be bothered.

And people wonder why some dealers are leery?

the dealer is there to sell you a car. that's how they make money to pay the bills. it's their privilege to sell you a car not yours to buy one from them. walk in with that attitude and everything will be much easier.

Of course I have never met Joe nor have a clue what he looks like but we have had a couple of long conversations through PM and believe me although he may be young he is not one of the "these cars are sic yo I want one bro" crowd.
He is going about purchasing his the proper and responsible route (actually more responsibly than I did since mine was demi impulse).

Yeah when I first joined the site I had a similar situation happen
I saw a beautiful lava FRS near the road and instantly pulled into Toyota
now I'm on 24 (23 at the time) but I work IT so I was in dress pants and dress clothes
and in a 2013 company vehicle too
I saw 1 sales guy, he got up looked at me and then turned around
1 week later I had a brand new Aozora BRZ

I've heard stories this from a few people and it's always frustrating. I'd like to think as long as you go in with genuine interest and respect (as it sounds like you did) you should be able to get help no matter what.
This kind of thing happens with dealerships all the time, they tend to stereotype based off past experiences or just having the wrong idea.

I'd like to think if I was a car salesman I would have a better mentality than a lot of these guys. Whether it's Aston Martin or Toyota, you don't know who is walking through the door. The idea is that they should all treat you the same. Who knows, maybe you are the creator of a crazy successful tech company who got rich at 18. You could look 50 and rich and have no money every person should be treated the same when they walk in the door of a car dealership.

A friend of mine (very rich) has had this happen to him on a few occasions. He's 25, but looks pretty young. Son of a very successful California based business guy. Awhile ago he went to a Porsche dealership to inquire about the new Cayman gt4 and they basically shit all over him, telling he wasn't worthy of a Porsche, how Porsche was the best and the cayman isn't anything compared to their other models. etc... (the gt4 is supposedly fantastic btw). He basically went next door to a Lotus dealership and they treated him with the utmost respect and low and behold he has a downpayment on a new evora 400...
Point is they don't know who is walking in the door. There is no point to shit on anyone

I got lucky, my salesperson was super nice but I made his life very easy. basically came in laid out everything I wanted what I wanted to pay, what accessories I wanted, what I wanted for trade in and the kind of financing I expected. I think that showed him right off the bat I wasn't kidding around. My first new car experience but it was very easy, they were wonderful to me (Mike Shaw Subaru)

Not just young guy's have issues and stereotyping or misconceptions happen to everybody.
Try walking into a dealership as a 56 year old guy with an 80s 'stasch, ripped jeans and a Marilyn Manson tee. When I bought my first Lancer I think they were getting ready to call the police on me when I was looking them over. Little did they know I had a cheque in my pocket (I knew exactly how much I was willing to pay) and since my Talon was sitting dead in the driveway I expected to leave with a car that day. They were much happier to see me the next day when we came in and dropped another $50K on an Outlander for the wife.

Talon, Lancer, and an 80s stash


will you be my dad

The dealership was like:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXE_n2q08Yw"]The O'Jays - For The Love of Money (Audio) - YouTube[/ame]

You will have to wait in line but so far the inheritance is getting spread pretty this on here.

Car salespeople are an interesting breed of people. You were immediately categorized as "waste of time" probably due to your appearance and non-verbal behavior. You were probably projecting weakness which they pick up on.

You will have a better time by:
1. Knowing exactly what you want and stating it.

"Hi, I'm _____. I've done some research about the FRS. There is no additional information I need to know other than what I can get on a test drive. Can you set me up with a test drive of a FRS with a manual transmission? Thanks!"

2. Having money sorted out before you walk through the doors. Or at least act like you have a suitcase full of money and you are just deciding on what to spend it on.

"I can write a check today if I like the car." "I'm already approved by my bank for 2.9% for up to (sales price of the car + some ridiculous overhead) $45,000. I'm willing to work with your finance department should the test drive go well and their numbers work better for me."

These two things will help you project some confidence and not come off as a waste of time or prey. Don't be so passive aggressive. That's weak. Be assertive and respectful to yourself and others. If I heard a salesman mutter something like "waste of time" as they walked by me, I'd call them out immediately and ask to speak with their supervisor. "Did you say I was a waste of your time? What is your name and where is your supervisor?" If a group of people are pointing at something and laughing, ask them to let you in on the joke. These people sell cars for a living. They are not nearly as bad-ass as you think they are. They are not someone who should intimidate you or belittle you.

The first car I bought was a smooth transaction initially. I ignored the insults out front and found the salesman sitting exhausted and dejected at his desk, asked if he was interested in selling me a car. Turns out he was.

Unfortunately he passed before I took delivery, and I had to wade through the jerks again, but in the end it was all there in the contract and I got what it wanted. Stalling almost two hours past closing probably helped (could have been done on time if they'd not played games.)

The almost 14 years between buying that one and this did seem to help. Patience does too. I had my price. I refused to talk anything else. And I sat and chatted with my wife while we waited. I only made one counter, almost 10% below their initial price, but it was that or go home. I got one feeler conversation where price never quite came up again. Eventually they agreed.

Do bring a partner. They're there for you, nothing else, and not part of the negotiations. If not a parent, an older mentor can help, if you just look that young and nothing else works. Their silence and deference will be key.

Lots of tips and tricks, but unless it's natural, don't bother.

Patience, and good luck.

my scion dealership experience
 

That sucks man because I went to 3 different dealerships and each one immediately asked if I wanted to test drive it, they all took me seriously, and even when it was my 3rd day back at one of the dealerships they still asked me if I wanted to drive it. I feel kinda bad because i was at the point of buying the car from each dealership but then had to wait a week and ended up getting the car from a completely different one that I only talked through over the phone until I actually signed the papers.