Funny Car Salesmen

[Braeden]

So... I think there is a thread about something like this, but after 5 mins of searching I couldn't find it. Any who on with the story. Bolded the main bit. Side story helps tho

I manage a couple smoothie/nutrition stores and I was at the one really close by Cool Springs Toyota. We get a lot of business from their workers and so one of them came in and I had a couple moments to make small talk and joked around asking if he had any inside info on the 86. Instead of answering me he asked me what I was looking for trying to make a sell, so I told him 370z BRZ 86 MX5 RF, and he gets real quiet and says well I can cut ya a deal. So the new 86 is coming out sometime end of year and we have had this 16' FRS sitting on the lot for awhile. We are trying to get rid of it so I'll chop ya a good chunk off. I said oh really? Whats the difference between the old one and new one (me knowing a bit of info already)? Oh well... *stutters* I think its like literally the same just different wheels other than that no other major changes.

Me:

[OldSkoolToys]

Yeah, a Raven if I'm not mistaken. I've gotten the feeling from that dealership that the sales people aren't really the enthusiast types. Gone there at least 3 times in my white AE86 coupe to pick up parts and have been pretty much ignored.

It appears, based on their website, that Beaman Toyota in downtown Nashville still has 2 2016 manuals; one Ablaze and one Raven. Both are $23,800 range. That is painfully tempting I have to admit.

[why?]

there are tons of old BRZ's and FRS's on dealer lots just sitting. Cars.com is a great website to see them all.

And to be successful as a car salesmen specific product knowledge is not as necessary, and all the spec sheets are close at hand. The ability to sell, however, is not a skill many people have.

[mdm]

A thread with this title must be derailed with
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J__T2dvaWww"]Mad Tv - Crazy Car Seller - YouTube[/ame]

[Hotrodheart]

Originally Posted by Braeden

So... I think there is a thread about something like this, but after 5 mins of searching I couldn't find it. Any who on with the story. Bolded the main bit. Side story helps tho

I manage a couple smoothie/nutrition stores and I was at the one really close by Cool Springs Toyota. We get a lot of business from their workers and so one of them came in and I had a couple moments to make small talk and joked around asking if he had any inside info on the 86. Instead of answering me he asked me what I was looking for trying to make a sell, so I told him 370z BRZ 86 MX5 RF, and he gets real quiet and says well I can cut ya a deal. So the new 86 is coming out sometime end of year and we have had this 16' FRS sitting on the lot for awhile. We are trying to get rid of it so I'll chop ya a good chunk off. I said oh really? Whats the difference between the old one and new one (me knowing a bit of info already)? Oh well... *stutters* I think its like literally the same just different wheels other than that no other major changes.

Me:

5HP, and new fascias are hardly a major overhaul.

[OldSkoolToys]

Originally Posted by Hotrodheart

5HP, and new fascias are hardly a major overhaul.

Further polished camshafts / valves, strengthened block, strengthened 6th gear, 4.1-> 4.3 FD, further chassis reinforcing, updated interior materials / steering wheel, revised shock valving, completely new intake /exhaust manifold, revised DI fuel pump, and a whole bunch of other minor odds and ends.

It's not a 2nd Gen 86, but for a midlife update, the changes are pretty numerous.

[Hotrodheart]

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys

Further polished camshafts / valves, strengthened block, strengthened 6th gear, 4.1-> 4.3 FD, further chassis reinforcing, updated interior materials / steering wheel, revised shock valving, completely new intake /exhaust manifold, revised DI fuel pump, and a whole bunch of other minor odds and ends.

It's not a 2nd Gen 86, but for a midlife update, the changes are pretty numerous.

Don't drink the KoolAid. All those "major" engine mods = 5HP. I don't care if there were 1000 engine mods....5HP. FD change? It wouldn't be necessary if the engine had enough suds.


The steering wheel looks nice. The front fascia is not as good as what we already have. The only real worthwhile thing might be the fuel pump. I presume it might kill the crickets.


Hey, but at least you don't have to swap Toyota badges from the Scion badges.


But, what I what to know is: Does the colon still blink in the clock?

[OldSkoolToys]

Originally Posted by Hotrodheart

Don't drink the KoolAid. All those "major" engine mods = 5HP. I don't care if there were 1000 engine mods....5HP. FD change? It wouldn't be necessary if the engine had enough suds.

What's with the quotations around major? "Major"? In what part of my post do I say anything is major? Exactly what or whom are you quoting? A further strengthened block, valve train, and updated manifolds basically guarantee's a kouki owner's engine will be the sought after one in years to come, as will the rear-end with the more sport oriented final drive. Only takes a few years of old car ownership to understand that little bit. Add in -everything- else (including the extremely minor 6th gear strengthening) and it's safe to say that if the kouki version stays well within the original MSRP of the zenki, it is the better buy. Hell I didn't even mention the change to LED front/rear lights.

The majority hated front fascia? Wow...bumper cover swaps are extremely hard. The aftermarket will NEVER supply anything like that, or, y'know, just use a zenki front. Those are impossible to come by.

As per the OP, the salesman stated wheels were really the only change and nothing else. He was laughing because he knew what I knew: The changes were more numerous than that, and I simply pointed them out when you posted "5HP, and new fascias are hardly a major overhaul. " (Proper use of quotations btw).

But, what I what to know is: Does the colon still blink in the clock?

No clock on the '17 MY. Time is irrelevant.

[Hotrodheart]

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys

The majority hated front fascia? Wow...bumper cover swaps are extremely hard. The aftermarket will NEVER supply anything like that, or, y'know, just use a zenki front. Those are impossible to come by.

O think that's the best reason to buy a '17..... so you can make it look like a '13. The "sport oriented" FD change is because it's slow.


And It'd be cheaper (compared to all those "sought after" engine mods) to take it to 2.5L... and just think of those "major" weight savings from a lighter "strengthened" engine block.

[Braces]

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys

It's not a 2nd Gen 86, but for a midlife update, the changes are pretty numerous.

Exactly.

Midlife updates are small changes to prolong the life and interest of the original model.

[Dark]

I think Modellista front lip really transforms the refreshed model.

[zc06_kisstherain]

I dont see this sales guy anything wrong. maybe he meant only minor changes that arent really major changes from previous generation.

[wbradley]

Salespeople are ALWAYS called out for selling. As adults, especially in the age of IT, we should easily have access to all the product knowledge we want.

So, salespeople that are successful must ride the fine line between product knowledge/selling and closing deals.

If I was managing the business I'd put my money on the ones who close deals, but I'd make it clear to my staff that false info wont be tolerated. When asked a question, either answer correctly, look it up or admit youre not sure THEN look it up.

Im my business I sell a steel product with a very specific treatment that allows us to guarantee no corrosion for 3 decades. I routinely hear people explain to clients that the steel has a silicone coating for corrosion protection and to act as a primer for paint. Not sure where this started but it couldnt be further from correct.

Does management give a shit? Nope. Close deals, thats all that matters.

I dont agree with this although in no way does this mean closing deals isnt still number one priority if we want to be succssful.

NEVER misinform clients. Ignorance is only an excuse for dismissal IMHO.

Things get a lot hairier if you have ever dealt with litigation from clients.

[Fishbed77]

h well... *stutters* I think its like literally the same just different wheels other than that no other major changes.

To be honest, he's really not that far off.

As a mid-life refresh, the updates to the 2017 86 are pretty mild.