Can't Stand the Dealers

[spicyricecake]

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.

[Namuna]

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!

[Special_K]

Originally Posted by pinski

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.

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

[Special_K]

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.

[Speed2th]

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.

[Turbo95eg6]

Originally Posted by CelicaJoe

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!

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

[benrz]

Originally Posted by Veloist

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

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

[IBill4You]

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. 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.

[CelicaJoe]

Originally Posted by IBill4You

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. 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.

[CelicaJoe]

Originally Posted by Turbo95eg6

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

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.

[soulreapersteve]

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.

[IBill4You]

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.

[echo419]

Originally Posted by Veloist

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'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.

[JazzleSAURUS]

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.