| hondacuraworld |
I've brought up to management here that we've ignored the car sales market for far too long, and I'm trying to implement a program by which we can provide new Acuras and Hondas at nice discounts off MSRP with free delivery to your door :bigok:
We're also offering our Hondacuraworld accessories installed if you wish, or rolled in to the price of the vehicle.
Questions:
1. To those of you even if you're not in the car market, would you be comfortable transacting business across the internet from Hondacuraworld for an auto purchase?
2. To what extent if we did such a thing would you like the process to be automated versus hands-on? (online links to financing, dealer stock, etc).
3. Do you feel that we would be able to apply the same to Acura/Honda Certified Pre-Owned vehicles? Would you feel comfortable buying such a vehicle just from pictures?
4. If you would be willing to buy a vehicle from an online dealer such as me for example, would you be more inclined to pick it up or have it delivered?
Thanks to all for your input! :cool: |
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| JeffK |
Boy that is a lot of questions!
Generally I am very comfortable buying things online.
In fact I have bought parts from you online and the experience was 100%.
Before I buy any major product, including an automobile I do my homework online.
I personally would welcome buying from Hondacurworld if there was a substantial savings.
In fact I just assumed my third lease from either Swapalease.com and/or LeaseTrader.com and the experience has been painless and a great savings of money.
To answer your specific questions:
1) Yes
2) Automated, but with link to a real person if questions arise.
3) Yes
4) Depending on cost and/or savings. Generally prefer to have it delivered.
JeffK |
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| RonH |
Coffee's starting to kick in this AM, so I'll give this a shot....
1) Yes. My mother bought her Hyundai online from a local dealer. Went quite well. She basically picked a car from the online inventory listing, worked up the numbers, and then went in to close the deal.
2) The biggest thing I like is a real-time list of dealer inventory. Even better, I've even seen several dealers that have a REAL (not stock) photo of the actual vehicle. They just roll them all in front of a fake background of some kind and take a quick 3/4 view shot. I think it's a plus to see the actual vehicle you're looking at buying. Sure, if you've seen one, you've seen them all ... still, it's satisfying to see exactly what you're shopping for.
3) Yes and no. I think offering used cars would be a good idea ... if for no other reason than to allow people to see exactly what you have in stock. However, I (personally) would have to come in and "kick the tires" before closing the deal. I think trying to do this when you deliver the car could cause unreasonable work for the dealer as there's a good chance the buyer will reject the deal because there is something wrong (or something they don't like) with the car.
4) Hard to answer. As long as the deal isn't officially "closed" beforehand, I suppose delivery wouldn't be a bad idea ... that way I could see the car (and have a chance to reject it of there is a problem (which is a lot less likely on a new car)) before actually signing and taking delivery.
Here's what I see ... bottom line. If I was looking for a specific car without a doubt, I would probably be willing to complete all parts of the deal (financing, cost, etc) online. I'd then want to see the vehicle before actually closing the deal. As stated in #4, this could be done when/if you deliver it. Only hitch for YOU here would be trade in value, if applicable. I suppose you could some up with an 'assumed value' .. and if the trade doesn't arrive as expected, adjust accordingly.
If I was just car shopping, and really didn't have a car in mind .. it would make online shopping less valuable. It would allow me to see exactly what you have in stock, but I'd still have to visit all the dealers to test drive the vehicles to decide which I like best. If I liked your car, I'd probably just finish the deal in person since I'm already there.
Hope it helps ... and didn't put you to sleep. I know I burned off my coffee on this ... time for a refill. |
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| msu79gt82 |
1) No problem, buying online in general or from Hondacuraworld in particular (been there done that); especially for new items.
2) The more hands-on the better, but phone calls towards the end of the process is OK.
3) Tough call? I believe I would be less inclined to buy pre-owned from photos only.
4) Driven by geography and price. Its a long way to Hondacuraworld from Houston. I'd probably NOT come get a car that far. If shipping costs eats up any savings vs. buying local then whats the point. |
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| RonH |
quote:
Originally posted by msu79gt82
4) Driven by geography and price. Its a long way to Hondacuraworld from Houston. I'd probably NOT come get a car that far. If shipping costs eats up any savings vs. buying local then whats the point.
BTW - all my answers were generally based on being fairly local to the dealer as well. I don't know if I'd really consider shopping for a vehicle from a dealer that's 1000 miles away. |
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| sagupta |
1. yes
2. automated with link to real person
3. no
4. delivered
have you considered any options for trade in. How about getting the trade in evaluated through local honda dealer |
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| Tom-TX |
Questions:
1. Yes, most assuredly from Hondacuraworld
2. As much on line l9inks as possible, but must have dealer stock as a minimum.
3. Certified Pre-Owned vehicles - I still think I would want to see and test drive first.
4. If I could pick it up at a dealer I would be more inclined to do that.
Bottom line would be pricing and reputation of dealer and your reputation has been impeccable! |
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| tax_atty |
1. Yes I would be comfortable buying a new car from an authorized dealer over the internet.
2. I would like it to be as automated as possible with the ability to have questions answered either by e-mail or phone.
3. I would not be interested in buying certified used cars over the internet. Everyone konws exactly what a new car should be but people have differing opinions about what constitutes "like new" 'excellent condition", etc in the used car market.
4. It would depend upon the delivery fee. I would, however, like the option to have it delivered. |
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| azfansinnc |
Boy, Tim, lots of good responses on this one...
Here is how I feel:
1. Yes. I have never done it but would with a new car from an authorized dealer. If it was you, great! Purchases up to date have been excellent.
2. On-line links to inventory, pricing, financing(?). Since there is always some question, a live person should be available just in case.
3. No. I like to see what I'm getting re: used car. As one poster pointed out, opinions differ.
4. Pick up. Pricing would have to be exceptional if I was going to "mail-order" a car.
Good luck! |
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| darkhelmet |
1> yes. 2 (both Acura) out of the last 3 cars I bought I corresponded via email and negotiated on the price/option that way. Now both were local dealers so there was some level of comfort.
2> links are good. I never use dealer financing so that is not as important.
3> I wouldn't buy a used car without seeing, driving and having it looked at.
4> I would be comfortable with delivery but also like the chance to see the car before signing.
Get this in place by April and I'll buy my TL from you all. |
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| pmsmith66 |
1. Absolutely.
2. Automated for most of the process. I'd prefer a phonecall at the end to "close" the transaction.
3. I'm more uncomfortable with pre-owned cars. Too many cosmetic issues to use just a picture.
4. As noted by others above, I'm 1000 miles from you so it would be doubtful that I'd pick up the car. I'd also be concerned about having the car delivered to me from that distance. How would you handle the "prep" aspect of the transaction. If you prep the car at your shop and then ship it to me via truck transport I have to assume (based on experience) that I'd see a variety of chips from flying rocks, etc. I'd prefer it if you can manage to have a local dealer deliver the car to me but I HIGHLY doubt they'd play that role for you.
I have NO problem buying through you on principle but you do have this delivery issue to tackle. Too many dealers try to pass off scratched exteriors and punctured leather interiors, etc. to unsuspecting customers. I've caught this many times at the dealership on delivery. They act surprised but I doubt they really are. I'd have to REALLY trust you guys to take ownership for the problem if a car shows up at my house with a problem that I find unacceptable. With a local dealer, I refuse delivery on site, what is my recourse with you? I can't see a truck driver reacting real well to being told, "take it away...I don't want it."
I would guess that many people would share my concerns. Maybe you've thought this issue through. If so, how would you deal with it? This is an exciting idea. I'd love to avoid my dealers and save a few bucks in the process. |
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| robrecht |
Great idea! I'm sure the sponsor would not inhibit the free and frank discussion of other dealers and other deals, but there would probably need to be some kind of written policy to this effect.
With regard to the specific questions.
1. Absolutely
2. Automated is fine but the personal touch, ie, the opportunity to actually speak with a live person should always be available.
3. Yes. Probably not, but since the warranty is transferable that certainly helps.
4. I bought my last car out of state over the phone and by email and had the car delivered to me, with all of the post-deposit paperwork being signed at our kitchen table. That was the best way to buy a car and I heartily recommend it.
5. Assistance, ie, tips, online links, etc on how to sell a used car would also be helpful for people buying in this manner. Most people are used to the trade-in approach, which is more difficult with this kind of process. This would be helpful to many people and, of course, would actually help them to get a better deal than traditional trade-in values.
If you wanted to, you could manage a trade-in process, but it would surely end up being too complicated to get the basic idea off the ground at first. |
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| mdxxxx |
1. Yes
2. Automated as much as possible. Links for qustions or exceptions.
3. No.
4. Delivered (assuming the cost factors would be a wash). |
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| KenF |
My vote would be to start small, with selling new cars only, and somehow limiting the trade issue. If I'm 1000 miles away, I can't get a good feel for a used car, and you can't get a good feel for my trade, so I would skip that for now, and take few initial steps.
Upfront reasonable prices and your current great level of service would certainly increase your customer numbers.
Of course I just thought up another issues, that of local taxes, title, etc. I'm sure the individual can take care of it, but that's one of the nice things about the dealership, they take care of the paperwork for you. Having done it both ways, I liked signing everything in the dealership and having the plate arrive in the mail rather than downloading all the DMV forms from the web, finding someone to verify the odometer, and then mailing it plus the check for tax into the DMV/tax collector. |
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| ayanomich |
Tim,
1. Would have no problem buying new from you.
2. I could handle on-line versus hands on.
3. I'm not comfortable with buying a pre-owned vehicle unless I would have a chance to look at it. Not too likely since I'm so far away from you. A brand new car is a different story, I would expect it to be as advertised so I wouldn't have as much heartburn in not seeing it beforehand.
4. Definitely delivered.
I'm sure the majority of us who have dealt with you have had a great experience, so I wouldn't think buying a new car would be any different. |
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| remydog |
I'd be ok with that, but, I fear that you lose that personal touch that is important with today's luxury cars. My dealer, who happens to be 40 minutes away, will drop a current model year Acura loaner at my door for me when my car needs service, take mine away and bring it back when it's through with being serviced.
MSK |
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| fvince |
Tim,
1. Yes
2. Automated
3. No
4. Delivered
Given my past experience with you and Hondacuraworld, I would not hestitate for a second buying a new car from you or someone from the dealership. Of course, the economics would have to be attractive. |
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| shogan |
1. Completely comfortable buying on-line if it is a new vehicle. I'd welcome a known dealer to go to without haggling. I hate shopping in person at dealerships.
2. As automated as possible, but I'd probably find my own financing.
3. Wouldn't be as comfortable with used.
4. Delivery only.
Hope you don something with this...I'm looking at replacing the X with a Pilot soon (new baby=wife no work=50% income loss=need for lower payment!!) |
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| shogan |
I'd be ok with that, but, I fear that you lose that personal touch that is important with today's luxury cars. My dealer, who happens to be 40 minutes away, will drop a current model year Acura loaner at my door for me when my car needs service, take mine away and bring it back when it's through with being serviced.
Must be nice!! No Acura dealer in the Detroit area will give you a loaner...especially with delivery. That is my one disappointment with my Acura. I expected Luxury Owner service, which I've found to be a myth. I get as good or better service from my Dodge or Oldsmobile dealer....sad. |
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| remydog |
I'm surprised to hear that about the Detroit area, since I would imagine that anything other than the big 3 would be bending over backwards to make you a customer. I have family in Southfield and Farmington Hills, so I'm out there once in a while. Other than Mercedes, BMW and Lexus, there's nothing in sight but USA.
MSK |
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| ayanomich |
| If anyone here gets that kind of service, they must be big shots. The average luxury car owner, especially Acura, does not get that kind of dealer care here that I know of. I can get a shuttle ride from the dealer to home, but I only plan on my first oil change being done there next month, and then it's back to my independent Acura guy for future service. |
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