General Ask a Nissan Salesman Thread

[McLovin157]

Hi Shaun,

So, with the lack of microchips reducing inventory, and overall sales opportunities to customers whom you make money on with:
Financing,
Rust Proofing,
Dealer Markups,
Fabric Sheild,
Extended Warranties,
Sound Shield,
Sales Floor Popcorn and Balloons Service Fees,
Free Bottled Water Service Fees,
Pinstripes,
VIN Etching,
LoJack,

Is it true that the Service Department is now needed to step up the Dealership's profits by:
Insisting unneeded work needs to be done,
Charging $99 for an Oil Change, then adding $50 for the Oil, and $25 to dispose of the Oil
Increasing Shop Fees to $49
Using scare tactics that Brakes will fail without 4 new rotors that are warped and beyond safety spec
Charging $15 for the Complimentary Car Wash with Service
Adding a Service Lounge Waiting Room TV watching Fee ?

This is a super loaded questions but I'll do my best. Every dealer operates under it's own set of rules and as such has a multitude of avenues to generate revenue. There is the sales department, service, parts, body repair, detail, ect. that a dealer can make money on. For my dealer personally the bulk of income is generated from the sales and service departments. In Oklahoma the market dictates low costs on simple services with higher rates for big jobs. So our standard oil change is 49.99 but a transmission job that asks for 6 hours of labor may be charged 8-9 as an example. It really depends on what avenues the dealership has access to make money and how their local market or overall strategy dictates what means are used to overcome the lack of sales gross form vehicles.

I hope that didn't seem like a cop out answer but it really is heavily determined by area and size of the dealership. Some dealers are making a killing in sales of cars because of stupid mark ups. I say a dealer in California with a mark up of 10k on a base model Versa. A 20k ish car that ended with a final price of 31k.

 

[McLovin157]

That may well be the case in the US because it’s what you are use too.. however this is the case here, as it’s what we are use too.
No ADM, next to no flipping, no one would pay an extra 10k over sticker …they just wouldn’t

Thats my whole point…you guys have been conditioned to accept it, in Aus ( and guessing Canada as well) dealers would have full car lots…at least until they conditioned us to the same outlandish practices they have in place for you

That's the beauty or downfall of capitalism though. If people want a product bad enough they will pay more for it for whatever reason they justify. Gucci is a brand that can up charge the hell out of bags or whatever else they sell because people will pay for the brand name even though you could get a perfectly good replica or even a better item for cheaper. Supply and demand dictates how a capitalist market values goods and services. If Gucci is a highly sought after brand you bet your ass they are going to charge an arm and a leg and people will pay for it.

The auto market was forcefully thrown into a shortage of supply so prices had to rise just to break even with previous revenues. Demand never fell off so it further compounded and thus allowed select dealers to take advantage of this market and "justify" egregious prices. Again personally believe it is wrong to charge ludicrous prices simply because you can but remaining at MSRP for most dealers isn't a viable option currently.

 

[takemorepills]

That's why in an attempt to have some integrity with this mark up heavy industry instead of just showing on the window MSRP + market adjustment we market MSRP + CVP (customer value package). Twist it how you wish but instead of just charging customers a mark up because that is where the market is you get tangible items. Things like all weather mats, locking lugs, paint protection, scotch guard/leather coating, a lifetime power train warranty, and for those local 18 months of free oil changes and tire rotations, mounts, and balances.

I would like some clarification on the limits of that "lifetime powertrain warranty".

I have a Q60. I still take it to the local Infiniti dealer for routine maintenance. My Infiniti dealer is very cool with me going back into the service department to inspect the underside of my car whilst it is lifted (I used to be an ASE tech, so I like to keep an eye on the condition of my car anytime I get an opportunity to have it lifted). The last 2 times I visited, I saw Q50 RS AWD with their entire drivetrain dropped. The first time I didn't ask about it, but this last time I inquired why the drivetrain is out of that Q50. The service advisor told me it is for the turbos, it's the only way to get at them. I told him this is the 2nd time I've seen a Q50 with it's drivetrain sitting on the shop floor. He said it is very common issue. I asked him if anyone has had to "out of pocket" these repairs yet, he seemed to think so far all have been done under warranty (BTW, I think Infiniti warranty is slightly longer than Nissan).

So, as I have seen with my own eyes, this could be an expensive issue. I find "lifetime powertrain warranty" to be eyebrow-raising. I gotta believe there is some fine print in the warranty that would limit the warranty providers obligations. I mean, if new, under warranty Infinitis are having engine-out turbo service being done, let's say every 2-3 years, I could see a Z customer likely needing 2-4 of these expensive services if they are a long-term original owner of the car.

So, does that warranty your dealer offer explicitly cover that situation? Even multiple times? Is there a limit? Copay?

 

[McLovin157]

I would like some clarification on the limits of that "lifetime powertrain warranty".

I have a Q60. I still take it to the local Infiniti dealer for routine maintenance. My Infiniti dealer is very cool with me going back into the service department to inspect the underside of my car whilst it is lifted (I used to be an ASE tech, so I like to keep an eye on the condition of my car anytime I get an opportunity to have it lifted). The last 2 times I visited, I saw Q50 RS AWD with their entire drivetrain dropped. The first time I didn't ask about it, but this last time I inquired why the drivetrain is out of that Q50. The service advisor told me it is for the turbos, it's the only way to get at them. I told him this is the 2nd time I've seen a Q50 with it's drivetrain sitting on the shop floor. He said it is very common issue. I asked him if anyone has had to "out of pocket" these repairs yet, he seemed to think so far all have been done under warranty (BTW, I think Infiniti warranty is slightly longer than Nissan).

So, as I have seen with my own eyes, this could be an expensive issue. I find "lifetime powertrain warranty" to be eyebrow-raising. I gotta believe there is some fine print in the warranty that would limit the warranty providers obligations. I mean, if new, under warranty Infinitis are having engine-out turbo service being done, let's say every 2-3 years, I could see a Z customer likely needing 2-4 of these expensive services if they are a long-term original owner of the car.

So, does that warranty your dealer offer explicitly cover that situation? Even multiple times? Is there a limit? Copay?

Honestly it's a sick as warranty but like all insurance/warranty companies they will wiggle out of any claim they can. It's a warranty though a company called Motiiv so the services don't have to be done at my dealer (US 48 limited) nor do the services have to be done at a dealership, just somewhere that reports the services to a national data base. To maintain the warranty you have to follow the same guild lines you would have to follow for a manufacturers warranty. It covers all lubricated components as well as gaskets and seal for the engine and transmission. For vehicles that are 4x4 or AWD the transfer case is covered. Also for STOCK turbos and superchargers (no adding it yourself) they are covered as well.

Unlimited term, unlimited miles, all parts and labor covered with 0 deductible. The warranty is nontransferable unless the vehicle is given as a gift to a DIRECT FAMILY MEMBER (children or parents). The big gotcha is that you can't modify anything; no changing out the wheels, running different size tires, tuning, modding, etc.

 

[takemorepills]

Unlimited term, unlimited miles, all parts and labor covered with 0 deductible. The warranty is nontransferable unless the vehicle is given as a gift to a DIRECT FAMILY MEMBER (children or parents). The big gotcha is that you can't modify anything; no changing out the wheels, running different size tires, tuning, modding, etc.

That last part is very good to know. Especially since I plan on doing something about the mandatory black wheels. One of my plans is to have the black OEM wheels re-finished in OEM-style silver. Wondering if that would be a "gotcha" probably could be if someone noticed and wanted to be a jerk about it.

I presume most warranty customers who run aftermarket wheels may want to keep their OEMs to swap back on for warranty work!

 

[McLovin157]

That last part is very good to know. Especially since I plan on doing something about the mandatory black wheels. One of my plans is to have the black OEM wheels re-finished in OEM-style silver. Wondering if that would be a "gotcha" probably could be if someone noticed and wanted to be a jerk about it.

I presume most warranty customers who run aftermarket wheels may want to keep their OEMs to swap back on for warranty work!

So they style of wheel shouldn't matter it's the size. A friend of mine had the warranty and they denied his transmission because he went from a 245-45-18 to a 255-45-18. But yes the best work around is when you go to make a warranty claim just put the original wheels back on.

 

[Salito]

Hello everyone, my name is Shawn Stegall and I work as a salesman at a Nissan dealership in Oklahoma City OK. I wanted to start this thread as a way for people to be able to reach out and ask questions for someone who works on the dealer side of things. Please don't hesitate to ask any question or make any comments you may have!

A little about me, I first fell in love with the Z car platform around the age of 7 with NFSU2 and Grand Turismo. The 350Z has just always had a special place in my heart sense then. Which is probably a big reason why I own a 2008 350z Nismo #0875. I was a mechanic for 7 years before an auto accident made me rethink my career choice. I wanted to stay in the auto industry but hard labor was pretty much a pipe dream so I moved to sales. May 26th will be my second year in sales and I have to say I have seen, heard, and learned A LOT about how things actually work inside a dealership.

I'm affiliated with dozens of Z car clubs, groups, and forums. I try to make it to as many national meets (Zcon and Znations to list some examples) as work will allow and I have met some incredible people doing so. Knowing guys who work for aftermarket companies like Z1 and AMSPerformance as well.

I do what I can to help out the enthusiast community in any way I can giving advise anywhere possible. This passion project of getting as many new Z cars on the road as possible I've undertaken solo. I'm not "sponsored" by the dealership in this, they don't pay me to go to meets and I use my personal time to answer any questions or take any calls. Which my wife is getting tired of the Z but she knows how much of a big deal this is to me. So doing what I can in the position I'm in I figured opening up about the dealer side of things was the best thing. As well as helping out in any area I can like introducing people to other enthusiasts, build ideas, helping buy or sell Zs, good local Z shops, etc.

Hello Shawn,

what do you know about the automatic transmission?
Is it MErcedes Benz derived?
I have seen pictures of the automatic transmission control and it looks like a computer’s mouse, have you tried it?
Are the steering wheel transmission levers made of metal?
Is the automatic transmission car going to be faster?
Is the automatic more expensive?
How much?

 

[Bunnzilla]

Hence...

As a lawyer, I’m good with this ?

 

[McLovin157]

Hello Shawn,

what do you know about the automatic transmission?
Is it MErcedes Benz derived?
I have seen pictures of the automatic transmission control and it looks like a computer’s mouse, have you tried it?
Are the steering wheel transmission levers made of metal?
Is the automatic transmission car going to be faster?
Is the automatic more expensive?
How much?

Not to much is known about the transmission but this is what I got.

It is a Mercedes Benz derived transmission. However, it is NOT the same 9 speed in the Pathfinder.
If your referring to the paddle shifters the spec sheet said they are aluminum.
The automatic is 100% going to be faster
From the language from Dan Passe as well as every other car maker it's safe to assume the auto will be more expensive
How much more, I suspect $1000-$1500 more.

 

[Bunnzilla]

Hello everyone, my name is Shawn Stegall and I work as a salesman at a Nissan dealership in Oklahoma City OK. I wanted to start this thread as a way for people to be able to reach out and ask questions for someone who works on the dealer side of things. Please don't hesitate to ask any question or make any comments you may have!

A little about me, I first fell in love with the Z car platform around the age of 7 with NFSU2 and Grand Turismo. The 350Z has just always had a special place in my heart sense then. Which is probably a big reason why I own a 2008 350z Nismo #0875. I was a mechanic for 7 years before an auto accident made me rethink my career choice. I wanted to stay in the auto industry but hard labor was pretty much a pipe dream so I moved to sales. May 26th will be my second year in sales and I have to say I have seen, heard, and learned A LOT about how things actually work inside a dealership.

I'm affiliated with dozens of Z car clubs, groups, and forums. I try to make it to as many national meets (Zcon and Znations to list some examples) as work will allow and I have met some incredible people doing so. Knowing guys who work for aftermarket companies like Z1 and AMSPerformance as well.

I do what I can to help out the enthusiast community in any way I can giving advise anywhere possible. This passion project of getting as many new Z cars on the road as possible I've undertaken solo. I'm not "sponsored" by the dealership in this, they don't pay me to go to meets and I use my personal time to answer any questions or take any calls. Which my wife is getting tired of the Z but she knows how much of a big deal this is to me. So doing what I can in the position I'm in I figured opening up about the dealer side of things was the best thing. As well as helping out in any area I can like introducing people to other enthusiasts, build ideas, helping buy or sell Zs, good local Z shops, etc.

Welcome, Shawn!! You are very brave, and seem to be very nice, and I among many who are very glad you have chosen to join this community and open yourself up to us!

I’m behind on this thread and there’s 11 pages that I have not had a chance to read yet because of personal time constraints right now, so please forgive me if this question has already been answered.

Regarding the new Z, has there been any inkling in your store regarding when delivery of even show room models might start to trickle in? More specifically, has there been any talk that anything might arrive by April or May? I’m in a little bit of a pickle right now needing a new car, and I was really hoping the Z would come sooner than it has. I wish I could just fully commit myself and throw all of the money I have at my local dealer and tell them to get me one no matter what, but my cautious nature makes me really want to drive one before I ring the final bell. Also, while I have bought several used cars in my lifetime, this will be my first Brand New Car investment (an oxymoron, I know), so it gives me a little extra hesitancy to blindly pull the trigger. I am afraid with the way things are shaping up, I might not even get an opportunity to check it out first and they all might be spoken for before a test drive can happen. Any thoughts or insights?
Thanks in advance!

 

[McLovin157]

Welcome, Shawn!! You are very brave, and seem to be very nice, and I among many who are very glad you have chosen to join this community and open yourself up to us!

I’m behind on this thread and there’s 11 pages that I have not had a chance to read yet because of personal time constraints right now, so please forgive me if this question has already been answered.

Regarding the new Z, has there been any inkling in your store regarding when delivery of even show room models might start to trickle in? More specifically, has there been any talk that anything might arrive by April or May? I’m in a little bit of a pickle right now needing a new car, and I was really hoping the Z would come sooner than it has. I wish I could just fully commit myself and throw all of the money I have at my local dealer and tell them to get me one no matter what, but my cautious nature makes me really want to drive one before I ring the final bell. Also, while I have bought several used cars in my lifetime, this will be my first Brand New Car investment (an oxymoron, I know), so it gives me a little extra hesitancy to blindly pull the trigger. I am afraid with the way things are shaping up, I might not even get an opportunity to check it out first and they all might be spoken for before a test drive can happen. Any thoughts or insights?
Thanks in advance!

First of all thank you, I've been all over the place but just started adding this forum to my daily check list.

So regarding the new Z, dates are completely unknown. Back in January the plan was orders in February with an early June launch date. Now there are talks of August or as late as December. Complete transparency here Nissan has a history with terrible launches and I suspect the Z will fall into this history as well. As it currently stand ALL of our best bets are to hope Dan gives us dates because everyone else is saying something different from local reps to regional and other within Nissan.

Now test driving one I can with almost 100% certainty say that wont be possible. Canada filled their orders in 6 days for all their Zs and even with current commuter models it's hard to keep them. To put it into perspective it's been 4 months now sense we have had a Pathfinder that wasn't sold. So even if someone orders one they are "test driving" the car they are taking home. Now a word of caution is I would keep the "throw all of the money" under the rug. I've heard numbers from MSRP to $30k mark ups.

If your interested in going a bit more in-depth I am happy to give you a call and give a more detailed description of what I know. As well as how I am handling my personal orders and any other questions you may have.

 

[Blackbeard]

speculative 30k thats higher end sports car money

 

[ZDreamer]

If dealer marks up the car, how does it affect your dealer's purchasing power (e.g. Dealer's "Invoice")?

 

[dmos1128]

I hope it is not a big markup. It's a big step for me. Been a Dodge Hemi guy forever. Just wanted to get the Z car because it's so retro. Never owned one I was always the RX-7 guy. But I always loved the 240 and the 280. But yeah if the pricing is going to be like they said with no markup I'm good to go otherwise look at these pictures I'm not in a hurry. So let's keep it at 40K to start and go from there. Or else I'll just roll in my charger in my truck and shake the houses when I drive by LOL

 

[McLovin157]

If dealer marks up the car, how does it affect your dealer's purchasing power (e.g. Dealer's "Invoice")?

It doesn't manufacturers are already increasing whole sale prices sense 2020. Plus they get to pocket the old rebate money they used to give so they are fine. The only thing that dictates how many cars you can acquire is how big your lot plan is and how many cars Nissan can actually provide you based on your rotating units vs the manufacturers inventory.