Archive for November, 2009
Black Friday Deals
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
Let me preface this by saying that this post is meant for informational purposes for those intending to shop for a vehicle over the Black Friday weekend. I promise to return to a non-selling capacity next week. It is simply my intention to let you know what offers are available so that consumers can make an informed buying decision.
That aside, this is the perfect season to think about buying or leasing a new car. There are a lot of really great incentives out there right now:
Leases:
KIA Fortes and Souls are leasing for $159/month for those with approved credit and $2400 trade equity or down payment plus tax, title, license and service fees. This is a 36 month, 36,000 mile lease.
Ford Fusions are leasing for $199/month for those with approved credit. It is a 27 month, 10,500 miles per year lease with $3,294 due at signing (this means cash or trade equity) plus tax, title, license and service fees. The first month’s payment is included in the signing money.
A 2010 Ford Escape can be yours for 27 months for only $244/month. Approved credit is required on this 10,500 miles per year lease. The first month’s payment is included with the $3,339 due at signing plus tax, title, license and service fees.
Outstanding Ford F-150s can be yours for just $349 per month. It is a 39 month, 10,000 miles per year lease that requires only $6,994 due at signing. Your first month’s rent is included in the signing payment.
Buying:
The popular Chevy Traverse can be yours for only $389 per month. Approved credit and down payment required on this hot deal.
All 2009s have 0% financing for 72 months and carry great incentives and good rebates. There are not too many left in stock so make sure you get in right away.
Please keep in mind – many of these programs go through the end of November, which is Monday. Time is limited. Offers will change in December. If you have any questions, please send me an email at cihde@ewaldauto.com
Tags: car sale, cars for sale, Chevy, Escape, F-150, financing, Ford, Forte, Fusion, Kia, Soul, Traverse
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Planning to Buy a Vehicle?
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
People ask me what they need to do to be knowledgeable about the buying process all the time. From my experience, I have found there are a few key criteria all consumers should be aware of before they start their search for their next vehicle. Here are some suggestions:
Know your budget: Beyond just knowing what you want to spend per month, calculate the total cost of owning a vehicle. Check out how the vehicle you want will effect your insurance, research standard maintenance costs and consider repair cost differences. The last thing you want to do is exceed your budget with an expense you did not think about completely.
Be realistic about trade-in value: Beyond just going to Kelly Blue Book, look at what cars like yours are selling for in your area. Also, consider what your car would go for at auction. Most important, be realistic about the condition of your vehicle.
Research the car you NEED: I highlight NEED because I’m sure we all have a dream car that we want. Instead, consider how you will use your vehicle the majority of the time you are driving it. If you travel all over the place, an SUV or truck probably isn’t the ideal choice. If you have a family with many children, a dog or lots of stuff, a sedan probably won’t work too well. Look at what you will use your vehicle for 75% of the time and make your decision based off of that.
Plan for a down payment: The number I tell my customers to plan for is 20% of the agreed upon price. Although your trade-in can be included in this, I wouldn’t recommend including any rebates you may receive. First, rebate amounts change frequently, so if you are planning for a purchase in three months, those rebates may no longer be available. Second, financial institutions want to see how much money you are willing to contribute out of your pocket. Thirdly, a down payment decreases your monthly payment and makes the monthly budget more affordable.
Know your credit: This is as simple as obtaining your credit score to ensure you do not having anything outstanding that you did not know about. There are numerous websites that allow you to check it once a year at no charge. Your credit score is a key indicator of the type of financing terms you will be offered when you make a purchase decision. Be aware of this score so you aren’t surprised with your financing options.
Hopefully, this information arms you with the confidence to start a discussion in your household about a vehicle purchase. A more educated consumer makes the buying process easier for the sales associate and you yourself. Should you ever need more information about how to make your purchase decision, please feel free to email me at: cihde@ewaldauto.com
Tags: car buying, car dealership, car financing, trade in, vehicle purchase
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The ancient beast
Monday, November 16th, 2009
An ancient beast once ruled the road. When it reigned, it reigned supreme and for that very reason it will go down in history. Like all things though, its time came and went and no longer does the station wagon rule the road.
During the time of the station wagon, things were different. There was one car in the family and when it needed to be replaced, the whole family drove down to the car dealership to find a new one. There were dozens of wagons on the lot so the family could choose just the right model for them. Shortly after a test drive and some tire kicking, the dream wagon was driven off the lot and into the driveway.
Those were the days… things have changed since then. America’s automobile of choice went from station wagon to SUV and now to a crossover. And just as the vehicle of choice has changed, so too does the way we shop for them. Car buying has become a process. And as we move away from the post-SUV era the process is once again evolving.
We are used to dealerships with large lots with just about any car that we want. We are used to being able to select the exact car we want and then drive it off the lot the next day. We are used to our dream car always being in stock and ready for our pick-up. These things may be true, but there is a shift occurring that consumers should know about.
Today, manufacturers try to build vehicles that they know they can sell and the market demands. Inventories may be lower to adjust to this new plan, which means the consumer may not have the selection they have been used to. This does not mean that you cannot get the car that you want, but you may end up in a situation where you need to order “your car” direct from the manufacturer or locate one within the dealer network.
From what I have witnessed in recent months, I would recommend that anyone in the market does not wait until the day they are ready to purchase. Go in a few months early to talk to your dealer and ensure the car you want will be ready when you are. This is especially true if the vehicle you are looking for is extremely popular or the new model year is just starting to arrive.
Preparation on the consumer’s part will eliminate frustration when acquiring the vehicle of choice. Most dealers are in the business of earning customers and will go the extra mile to inform the consumer on current market conditions so they know what to expect. Don’t be afraid to call, ask questions and remain informed when you find yourself in the market to make a purchase decision.
Tags: automobile, car, car buying, SUV, vehicles
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I’ll take it to “my guy”
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
Hopefully, we all have one in our lives. Whenever our product breaks, or needs upgrading or adjustment, we give him a call. We know he will do the work just the way we want, because we have seen him do it time and time again. He is “my guy.”
In the automobile industry, he is “my car guy.” You know who I am talking about; the one you take your car to whenever your car breaks down, needs an oil change and tires, or something just doesn’t sound right under the hood. Maybe you were referred to him, met him by coincidence or he’s a long-time personal friend. Regardless, you would not think about taking your car to anyone else.
To be honest, I’m a little jealous of the “car guy.” Not because I am a woman, but because I want a chance to be who he is. Working for a car dealership immediately labels me as an unethical scammer, just out to make a buck. I’m sure there may be other dealers that have perpetuated this stereotype, but I find it unfair that I must be lumped in with general population.
Regardless of other people’s misconceptions, I am jealous of “my guy” because his business is completely relationship driven. What an awesome opportunity to work with those that know your work and trust you. It is my goal to find and work with people like that, but it seems that just because I work for a dealership, people do not trust us.
Now, I’m not saying trust should just be given, I know it has to be earned. What I strive for everyday is to be my customer’s “car guy.” I want them to pick up the phone and ask for help if they have questions. I want them to know that they will get the best we have to offer every time they need us. I want them to know that I will do everything in my power to ensure they are happy with each visit to our dealerships.
If you are not getting this type of passion from “my guy”, give me a shot to show you how we can be your new “car guy” for the long haul.
Tags: automotive, car guy, dealership, oil change, service
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Talking through the tough times
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
Just about every sector and industry has been hit by this great recession that we are facing. Although we are seeing positive signs that we are moving out of the recession, the toll the recession will take on your company may not be over. Even if you are in the clear, the toll the economy did take on your company is likely in the forefront of your employees’ thinking.
The old saying goes that you are not measured by how many times you get knocked down but how many times you get up. So the question your company faces is how will you ensure your employees that you WILL get up? What is it that you can do today, tomorrow or the next day to remind them you are doing everything in your power to keep them gainfully employed and happy?
Just as in all relationships, communication is key. If your company has had to lay off employees, you know how fast rumors spread. A wildfire would be lucky to keep up with the possibilities and conjecture that are spun into fact. The only surefire way to stop the stampede of gossip is to be as upfront and honest as possible and meet questions head on. Although communication will not ease all of the doubt and fear, it will go a long way.
It is equally as important to remember that communication is a two-way street. Just because you have sent your employees a message does not mean that you are communicating with them. What are you doing to ensure that your employees are engaged with what you are saying? It is important to garner real feedback to ensure they understand and care about what you are telling them. Without such a dialogue there is no communication.
Today your employees are probably working twice as hard for half the pay and benefits. Do everything in your power to remind them that they are a part of a team that values their dedication and that you are doing everything you can to reward such devotion. Your employees were knocked down right alongside your company; remind them today that together, you will get back up.
Tags: Auto, benefits, communication, economy, employees, recession
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