Early Order Hysteria

[ylwjacket]

Do you folks think we will see the same sort of madness that happened with the new M5 and M6 a couple of years ago? I remember seeing sales on ebay for #1 production slots, where people were paying like $10-15k to assume the buy order (mostly at MSRP contracts).

I wouldn't sell my #1 spot, but I wonder if this car is generating the same sort of hype out there in car world, or if it's mostly amongst those of us who already own one.

If it des/is generating that sort of hyp, it would make it that much more fun to be driving one of the early delivery models.

[Katshot]

I can't imagine why. Hell, there's already dealers right here on the forum that are offering below MSRP pricing.

[Jpjr]

Originally Posted by Katshot

I can't imagine why. Hell, there's already dealers right here on the forum that are offering below MSRP pricing.

I saw that and not sure what to think about it. As honest as car salesman are (mostly kidding here for effect), money talks and I have a hard time believing that a store manager would allow the first V to go to someone under MSRP if the demand is high. There is simply not that much integrity in any commission business, although I do believe that salesman posting on this site are clear exceptions.

I have been through this process before, promised a #1 slot... get passed up for a guy that pays $5k over..... next allocation does not get hit for another 2 months.

The truth is that there is no legit "list", there is only the order confirm screen in GM's vehicle ordering system. You can think you are on a list and another salesman can bump you if he/she can get thier customers order into the system right when the allocation is granted. So anyone that is on a list has no guarantee of delivery until the confirm code comes back with their name on it. I would go as far as to say that at most dealershps these "lists" don't even exist and it is simply a salesman's way to keep you feeling privlaged.

Anyway, I personally do not think they did a knockout job with the outside of the car and don't expect it to attract much of the conservative looks german crowd at all. The rice front end and hood bulge are not something that traditional foreign car buyers find attractive. There will be a big opening pop from the blue blooded base and then things will die down. I promised myself I wouldn't wait for this new one but I might have to if pricing creeps past $62k.

[Cadillac Tony]

That's why I've posted up that Forum members have an opportunity to reserve both a car AND the price now. As the time for launch approaches, if Dealers are inundated with demand for the car then you'll see the prices creep higher and higher above MSRP. Reserving now locks in availability and the price ($599 below MSRP plus admin fee, taxes and fees)

My mentality as a Salesperson is not to make a huge profit on one sale, but to take good care of every customer with a fair price- that way they'll recommend their friends and family come and see me. Maybe that's why I've been one place for almost 10 years now.

If you wait until the launch and drive to a Dealer, the price of the car AND the quality your Salesperson (being able to demonstrate how to operate all the gadgets on the car) will be total luck. Dealing with me guarantees that you get a fair price with no "bump" sticker, as well as someone who can explain all the new features on the car for you.

[Katshot]

I would have to assume that if "base" pricing is to be in the low 60's, you'll see them going for over 70 or close to it, when it's all said and done. Of course, if past high-end Caddies are any indication, you'll be seeing them on dealer lots rather quickly with huge discounts on them. Only time will tell I guess.

[Cadillac Tony]

It all depends on the area. 6 months after launch, we're still getting MSRP for in-stock CTSs, and I have yet to see a used one or a Consumer Rebate on a new one.

I suspect that as GM scales back production to a more reasonable level, improves quality and eliminates incentives (which they've been slowly doing for 3 years now), we'll see the days of 50% depreciation in 3 years come to an end.

[Katshot]

I'd rather see the old Rick Wagoner theory thrown out. Try pricing them properly from the start, rather than through the roof and then having to follow with discounts/rebates later to try to pull sticker-shocked buyers back in.

[Cadillac Tony]

They started doing just that back in calendar year 2005- it was/is called the "GM Total Value Promise":

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...01/139129.html

I've watched the MSRPs drop considerably, along with the gigantic rebates of old slowly being phased out. It's taken a few years, but you're already starting to see the results.

[heavymetals]

Tony I like your ethics.

If someone wants to put up a deposit and a dealer can book it as a sale (pre or not), you bet I would be the dealing fool.

Upfront money talks big.

[V-Love]

No Way!!!

[Jpjr]

Originally Posted by Cadillac Tony

That's why I've posted up that Forum members have an opportunity to reserve both a car AND the price now. As the time for launch approaches, if Dealers are inundated with demand for the car then you'll see the prices creep higher and higher above MSRP. Reserving now locks in availability and the price ($599 below MSRP plus admin fee, taxes and fees)

My mentality as a Salesperson is not to make a huge profit on one sale, but to take good care of every customer with a fair price- that way they'll recommend their friends and family come and see me. Maybe that's why I've been one place for almost 10 years now.

If you wait until the launch and drive to a Dealer, the price of the car AND the quality your Salesperson (being able to demonstrate how to operate all the gadgets on the car) will be total luck. Dealing with me guarantees that you get a fair price with no "bump" sticker, as well as someone who can explain all the new features on the car for you.

You are a clear exception and I would be happy to do business with you if I lived closer. But dealers that promise delivery are NOT telling the truth!! And lots of them do it!! What does it matter if you are guaranteed MSRP and on a list if your dealer has no idea 1) what their allocation will be, and 2) when it will arrive.

Promising someone a car at any agreed upon price still implies that there will be a car to deliever within a reasonable period. In the real world some of us have car leases that are expiring or don't have a spare car to drive while getting the run-around for months.

[Rich H]

When I ordered my 2004 V in Feb 04 I was able to negotiate a deal with my local dealer that couldn't have been any better. I had written into the contract that I could have my deposit refunded if the car was not delivered within a predetermined time window or arrived with options other than what I requested. PLUS I got GMS pricing. Granted - they didn't know squat about the car when it arrived - but that didn't bother me at all. I knew it would take their service techs a while to learn about the car and I was willing to wait. I will likely do the same thing all over again when the time is right. I'm in no rush this time and want to be sure GM has done their homework.

[HiTechRV]

Originally Posted by Cadillac Tony

They started doing just that back in calendar year 2005- it was/is called the "GM Total Value Promise":

Yep - Rick decided to go for transaction pricing. Everyone told him he was nuts but it works.

[Jpjr]

Originally Posted by Rich H

When I ordered my 2004 V in Feb 04 I was able to negotiate a deal with my local dealer that couldn't have been any better. I had written into the contract that I could have my deposit refunded if the car was not delivered within a predetermined time window or arrived with options other than what I requested. PLUS I got GMS pricing. Granted - they didn't know squat about the car when it arrived - but that didn't bother me at all. I knew it would take their service techs a while to learn about the car and I was willing to wait. I will likely do the same thing all over again when the time is right. I'm in no rush this time and want to be sure GM has done their homework.

This is almost *exactly* what I have done now twice, except the last time I got burned and realized that just getting my money back after waiting for 5 months was extremely disappointing. Especially when I watched other dealers get allocations while I had placed my order long before most.

Dealers do not control allocations as it is typically NOT based upon pre-orders. It is based upon past sales and markets that GM wants to specifically target with the vehicle. Ex: convertibles in miami, etc.