Creating Wealth & Success

CAR FU: Car Buyers Can Take This to the Bank

Peter Robinson, Our official Car Buying Expert says:

One of the first things that a Finance Manager trainee begins to learn is something called ‘credit union conversion'. Dealerships spend millions of dollars and many hours of training time on this most important of disciplines, and the reasons are many and varied. It is not wrong for them to attempt this, nor is it evil; it is simply good business. Of course, that doesn't mean you have play along!

When a person obtains their own financing through a credit union, very often they are limited in the amount of funds that are approved.

Read Peter's entire article CAR FU: Car Buyers Can Take This to the Bank

CAR FU: On Drunk Driving

Peter Robinson, Our official Car Buying Expert says:

Here come the Holidays and some additional challenges for parents.

Understand that there will be drinking and it can directly affect your child. It doesn't matter whether they drink or not. They are at risk.

It is essential that parents offer their kids the interrogation-free ride home at any time from anywhere.

Read Peter's entire article CAR FU: On Drunk Driving

CAR FU: Car Buyin' Women!

Peter Robinson, Our official Car Buying Expert says:

I have seen a lone woman drive into a dealership, park, walk around for a while, and finally go up to the receptionist and ask for some assistance. I find this curious, as women directly influence nearly 75% or more of ALL car sales. To watch trained attack-jackals...er, sales associates, virtually ignore her because they believe that she is not the decision-maker is almost surreal. No one can just ‘walk around' out there!! Who does she think she is?

Read Peter's entire article CAR FU: Car Buyin' Women!

CAR FU: Car Buyers Can Take This to the Bank

Peter Robinson, Our official Car Buying Expert says:

One of the first things that a Finance Manager trainee begins to learn is something called ‘credit union conversion'. Dealerships spend millions of dollars and many hours of training time on this most important of disciplines, and the reasons are many and varied. It is not wrong for them to attempt this, nor is it evil; it is simply good business. Of course, that doesn't mean you have play along!

When a person obtains their own financing through a credit union, very often they are limited in the amount of funds that are approved.

Read Peter's entire article CAR FU: Car Buyers Can Take This to the Bank

CAR FU: Car Biz Chalk Talk

Peter Robinson, Our official Car Buying Expert says:

Sales Manager: " Where did those people go?" Salesperson: " Which people?" SM: " Those people that were back there checking out the (anycar)." SP: " Oh, they said they were just looking." SM: "Really. Did they talk to a manager before they left?" SP: " Well....no." SM: "You're fired."

Over the years, through millions and millions of car deals, generating reams and reams of car deal data, it has been determined by car dealerships that it is more cost-effective to alienate 85 percent of the people who are "just looking" in order to sell to the other 15 percent who will finally give up and buy after several hours of 'the process'.

Read Peter's entire article CAR FU: Car Biz Chalk Talk

CAR FU: Myths of Car Buying and Bigfoot

Peter Robinson, Our official Car Buying Expert says:

Ready for your next car?

Have you been studying up at the websites? Edmunds.com, Kelly Blue Book, etc.? Is it helping you prepare, or is it WAY too much information for anyone to absorb? Let's simplify this a little bit. Here are some common myths, or "advice" from apparently well-meaning buyer guides that are...well...stupid!

Read Peter's entire article CAR FU: Myths of Car Buying and Bigfoot

CAR FU: Trade-In Blues

Peter Robinson, Our official Car Buying Expert says:

The worst thing any car salesperson ever has to do is explain to a customer that the car they are trading in isn't worth much money. Or any money. This is how the conversation often goes: Sales Manager: "What's he tradin' ?" Salesperson: (handing over a form) "This one here..." SM: "Ouch. What does he think it's worth?" SP: "$11,500." SM: "Where did he get that number from?" SP: " I dunno. ". SM: "Let's open him up a bit..." (scribbles on paper, hands it to SP) SP: "Oh...oh, no, no, no...you're kidding, right?" SM: "Just take it out there. Now."

Read Peter's entire article CAR FU: Trade-In Blues

CAR FU: Toyota Vs. Godzilla

Peter Robinson, Our official Car Buying Expert says:

Tundra commercial, and realizing what it really means, reminds one of watching Mike Tyson fight when he was young...there is a creeping feeling of dread and inevitability concerning the outcome.

Having identified the next automotive frontier to conquer, Toyota has commenced the process of dismantling their opponents, and--in the very best Sun Tzu (legendary general and author of 'Art of War') tradition--they are using their own tactics against them.

Read Peter's entire article CAR FU: Toyota Vs. Godzilla

Car Buyers Bill of Rights...and Wrongs

Peter Robinson, Our official Car Buying Expert says:

On July 1st, 2006, a landmark consumer protection bill became law in California. Known as the Car Buyers Bill of Rights, this bill has been more successful at confusing the public than it has been at eliminating predatory dealer practices. In it's final realization, it is an abject example of what can happen when well-meaning consumer groups make unrealistic proposals and settle for impractical solutions.

Read Peter's entire article Car Buyers Bill of Rights...and Wrongs

CAR FU: Car Wars...Parents vs. Teens

Peter Robinson, Our official Car Buying Expert says:

Here it is: The moment many of us have been dreading for...well...ever! The 'Apple of Daddy's Eye' is getting her drivers permit, and it is only a matter of time before she will be needing some wheels. You can't NOT get her something to drive, because then she will be riding with her friends--many of whom strike you as...well, let's say...somewhat less than reliable.

Read Peter's entire article CAR FU: Car Wars...Parents vs. Teens