Honda Car Forum

Gmlyle@scvnet.com (<Gmlyle@scvnet.com>) wrote:

>The last advice I'd give is to really look
>at some of the upgrades they offer,
>especially if you're financing. A few
>extra bucks a month can get you a nicer
>set of wheels or a spoiler that will make
>you stand out from all the rest.

>Geeze, that sounds like the spiel that the
>car salesman spewed when I bought my
>car!

Yeah, when I bought my Lexus, the dealer offered me a job. I didn't
take it, but was flattered he liked my style.

>You won't see the wheels while driving
>the car. Spoilers only work at high
>speeds.

You mean spoilers do something other than look kewl?

>Neither of these will increase one's
>driving pleasure.

I disagree. Here in SoCal, the car is a big part of one's life. Power
perceived is power achieved. (borrowed line from a favorite movie.)

>They will increase the theft potential of
>an already high-theft vehicle. If you
>really want fancy wheels or exterior
>accessories they are almost always
>much less expensive in the aftermarket.

Not the spoiler. To add one is cost prohibitive vs. the cost from the
factory.
With wheels, yes, I agree that it's more expensive as you don't see any
value from the discarded wheels, unless you're smart enough to ask for
credit on the unused wheels.

>Of course, there's the other kind of
>regret of being talked into higher
>payments or a longer loan for stuff you
>really didn't want or need.

Whose fault is that? If you're wishy washy enough to buy something you
don't want, then you get what you deserve. I'm talking about people who
don't opt for something they want because it adds to the price of the
car. I personally wouldn't feel $20-50/month more as much as I would
feel the regret of not opting for the look and feel I truly wanted.

"ravelation" <ravelation@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:2480-3F390B46-82@storefull-2335.public.lawson.webtv.net...
>
> Gmlyle@scvnet.com (<Gmlyle@scvnet.com>) wrote:
>
> >The last advice I'd give is to really look
> >at some of the upgrades they offer,
> >especially if you're financing. A few
> >extra bucks a month can get you a nicer
> >set of wheels or a spoiler that will make
> >you stand out from all the rest.
>
> >Geeze, that sounds like the spiel that the
> >car salesman spewed when I bought my
> >car!
>
> Yeah, when I bought my Lexus, the dealer offered me a job. I didn't
> take it, but was flattered he liked my style.

Dealers are good at flattery when they're selling you something

> >You won't see the wheels while driving
> >the car. Spoilers only work at high
> >speeds.
>
> You mean spoilers do something other than look kewl?

Most don't. Well, they do promote corrosion and look cheesy after the car
is a few years old and the plastic deteriorates faster than the rest of the
car.

> >Neither of these will increase one's
> >driving pleasure.
>
> I disagree. Here in SoCal, the car is a big part of one's life. Power
> perceived is power achieved. (borrowed line from a favorite movie.)

I live in SoCal, but I don't consider a car to be all that important to my
self-esteem. It's a tool that gets me from here to there. Now, I do like
to have nice tools, but I won't be in line for spinner wheels or such fluff.

> >They will increase the theft potential of
> >an already high-theft vehicle. If you
> >really want fancy wheels or exterior
> >accessories they are almost always
> >much less expensive in the aftermarket.
>
> Not the spoiler. To add one is cost prohibitive vs. the cost from the
> factory.

Yeah, but you can get the kewl aluminum ones from the riceboy supplier!

> With wheels, yes, I agree that it's more expensive as you don't see any
> value from the discarded wheels, unless you're smart enough to ask for
> credit on the unused wheels.

I love takeoffs. I have a set sitting in my garage right now that I bought
for a song, with the factory new hubcaps. They will be very handy when my
current tires wear out!

> >Of course, there's the other kind of
> >regret of being talked into higher
> >payments or a longer loan for stuff you
> >really didn't want or need.
>
> Whose fault is that? If you're wishy washy enough to buy something you
> don't want, then you get what you deserve. I'm talking about people who
> don't opt for something they want because it adds to the price of the
> car. I personally wouldn't feel $20-50/month more as much as I would
> feel the regret of not opting for the look and feel I truly wanted.

The person who originated this thread is a first-time buyer. Such folks are
very vulnerable to the sales pitches and techniques used in the car
business. Most people have not dealt with anyone as unscrupulous as a
typical car salesman in their entire life. You hear the stories and think
"nobody can be that crooked" but the truth is that they are. First time
buyers can profit from all the warnings that can be given!

Selling a car based upon payment instead of price is a common ripoff.
Loading the vehicle with accessories is another. Combine the two "It'll
only be another $20 a month!" is a case of two wrongs not making a right.

Gmlyle@scvnet.com (<Gmlyle@scvnet.com>) wrote:

heh, we may be neighbors as I live in SCV...Santa Clarita.

>I live in SoCal, but I don't consider a car
>to be all that important to my
>self-esteem. It's a tool that gets me from
>here to there.

Utility kind of guy. You're few and far between here in LaLa land.

>Now, I do like to have nice tools, but I
>won't be in line for spinner wheels or
>such fluff.

There is a limit to the fluff I'll add. Spinny wheels scream "steal
me!". I learned my lesson by tricking out a RAV 4 once. It is after all,
a Rav. The fact it had the nicest wheels and leather interior didn't add
up to much upon selling the car. But while I had it, it made me feel
great when I drove it, as I knew it was one of a kind.

>Yeah, but you can get the kewl
>aluminum ones from the riceboy
>supplier!

I really detest those spoilers. Stock look is what I like.

>Selling a car based upon payment
>instead of price is a common ripoff.

I'm not advocating that at all. What I think is smart is to reasearch on
the 'net true invoice cost, set the price and work from there for the
add ons. Know your product so you don't get ripped off.