Important Vehicle Information Enclosed!

[Mr. Darcy]

So I got a much anticipated letter from my local Honda Dealer wanting to buy my Element, because "there is a high demand for this type of vehicle." But was a little disappointed that they were offering me less than KBB. That not including my upgrades and the fact that they have my maintenance records. Just needed to vent a little. Other than upgrading my radio my E has everything I need for at least 5 to 10 years. Unless Honda brings back a new E.

[Slobadon]

Yep. Everyone's getting these if you have recently been to a dealership. I haven't heard of anybody actually being offered enough to make them part ways.

[Menteng]

That's a typical sales/marketing strategy for car dealers. They would send out automated letters saying that they are willing to buy back your used car. When you take the bait and show up at the dealership, they will try to sell you a new car. You probably will get below KBB price for your E, because they will only offer to give you the trade-in value. Of course, they will sell your E to their used car lot for a profit.

So they could get money on both sides of the deal, by selling you a new car and selling your used E to the public.

[Rob Dobbs]

Hyundai is big on that as well but are generally upfront about it. They fiance a lower priced entry level car to a buyer to build up credit, then a year later upgrade the model car with little to no change in the payment. In other words you buy barebones then swap cars. The entry level used car then goes out to target another first time buyer and the cycle repeats.

[Mr. Darcy]

A friend of mine was a Sales Manager for a dealership and was telling me there is a $3000. markup on cars they took take in on trade or buy from auctions. Which sounds about right.

[EXwSCnose]

Agreed, it has a lot less to do with the fact that it is an E, - but much more with turning sales... Don't feel flattered, but rather be ready to get flattened...

Chris.

Originally Posted by Menteng

That's a typical sales/marketing strategy for car dealers. They would send out automated letters saying that they are willing to buy back your used car. When you take the bait and show up at the dealership, they will try to sell you a new car. You probably will get below KBB price for your E, because they will only offer to give you the trade-in value. Of course, they will sell your E to their used car lot for a profit.

So they could get money on both sides of the deal, by selling you a new car and selling your used E to the public.