L.C.A.R.S©

L.C.A.R.S©

(Looks, Composition, acceleration, revving, Superior price)  A GUIDE FOR BUYING AT SELECT LUXURY CARS

This is what the blog will be named.                                                                                                                    

Bigger letters matter more, but without all of them none would matter at all.

Luxury: if you look really closely before the C then you can see an L which stands for luxury, as in my mom saw a car commercial and said that she would want a car like that, the outside looks luxurious and so do the seats, but it’s no bat mobile! The car she saw was later linked to multiple cars swerving off road and the steering wheel would jam if you tried to U-turn (or turn at all).  And don’t get me wrong luxurious looks mater (but without the tow) not that much however. So if you see a real nice car and you want to buy it then follow these next 4 steps and you’ll be set.

Composition: If the car has bad composition (overall pieces of the car) then it would fall apart.

Acceleration: this one pretty much speaks for itself. (You don’t want a slow car do you?)

Revving: this is of lesser importance, but the revving of the engine will make a BIG difference if it will make much more noise than a coughing and sputtering noise. (Just don’t ruin everyone’s peaceful morning).

                Superior price: the most important component           (composition’s runner up) to looking for and buying a superior car at SLC (select luxury cars) All the cars are priced evenly and are great deals overall.

So this was the first blog.

It should update every two weeks and will have new car notifications, deals, guides, information and acronyms.

Flame out!

Annnd I’m never saying that again. EVER.

Greg Pultz

 

How To Get The Best Value For Your Trade

For most people, dealing with trading-in a car when buying a new one often seems like more of a hassle than a real opportunity to get a decent amount for the next car. What we are unaware of is how much we can actually do to influence the value of our trade in vehicles. One thing we can all agree on is that with the present day economy every little bit of extra cash can go a long way.

1. Do Your Research
First thing you should do is search online to see what your car is worth and for how much your model has been selling. That is your starting point. But, before you do anything else, make sure you modify your mind set. Don’t think only about what you paid for your car and how much you found that it is now actually worth. You have to start thinking like a salespeople working for a car dealership. Put yourself in their shoes and prepare yourself well before you face them.

2. Make it Look it’s Best
So, before you bring your car to be sold, make sure that you properly clean your car, inside and out. No garbage should be left anywhere. Even the glove compartment should be cleaned out with only car’s documentation and maintenance records left inside. After you wash its exterior, consider doing a swift polishing job. Even ten minutes of running some polishing rags around cars doors will make it look great. This cleaning is not only meant to make your car look better. You will also show that you are responsible person who was taking good care of your car. You will also show you actually care about your car. It will influence dealership personnel to show you considerably more respect when making your actual offer.

3. Find the Right Dealer
Another homework assignment- you should do before taking your car to a dealership is to scout around and find which dealer may offer you best deals. If you just visit their parking lots, you will be able to see firsthand how many trade-ins verses how many new cars they have on a lot. Those that have large stocks of new cars might be pressured to offer you better deals so they can move their inventory.

5. Negotiate
Once you select your dealer and start negotiating, make sure you stay relaxed and flexible. If there is some minor problem with the car, feel free to point it out. Car dealer may actually offer you a better price if they know the actual state of the car.

So, the lesson here is to do your research prior to going out. Your time is precious and to waste it makes no sense.

The Few in Our Lives

Here is a quick story about the “few” individuals we all encounter in our daily lives. A few weeks ago I met a terrific customer. To protect her identity, we will call her Becky. Becky is one of our local Atlanta professionals who has done well in her profession and is a successful attorney in her field. Becky came into our showroom and was given the same welcome and greeting I give folks when they come to visit us at Select. She was interested in a particular red coupe, which she had researched prior to visiting the dealership. Becky, I might add, is a repeat Select Luxury client.

I have to preface this next paragraph with this: we all have to deal with the “few”. The “few” are individuals in our lives that just drive us nuts. Whether they are family members, our politicians, media outlets, co-workers, or our local LAW ENFORCEMENT, we all have met the “few”. This story is about one of the above.

I walk Becky through the car’s features and she decides she’s ready for a test drive. We go on one our regular route, but Becky decides take a detour. She chooses to go down a particular street dotted with aging strip malls, motels, bus stops, and apartment complexes. Once notorious for illegal night activities, this is an area I stay clear of because it reminds me of certain streets from my boyhood neighborhood in Brooklyn.

Less than a minute after tuning onto this street, a local Sheriff pulled over Becky and me as we continued our test drive in the bright red sports car. This is where the experience gets annoying, funny, or disturbing (depending on your perspective). Oh, I forgot to mention that Becky is an attractive, 30-something-year-old woman with blond hair and an outgoing, no-nonsense attitude. (Some of you may know me from our website picture). This OFFICER decided to be curious about me and this blond woman test driving a bright red sports car down Marietta’s Franklin Road. As we pull over and roll down the windows to answer their questions, it is clear that the Sheriff on the passenger side (my side), is visibly uncomfortable with the situation and his partners inappropriate behavior.

Knowing that Sheriffs don’t usually stop vehicles, I commented, “You guys usually don’t pull people over on traffic stops.” He replied tepidly, “Sometimes we do.”

His partner on the driver’s side of the car was a bit more colorful with his rhetoric. Becky asked the officer if everything was okay, since she had committed no moving violation.
The Sheriff responded,” I just want to make sure everything is okay since I noticed you are driving with no drive out tag.”
Readers, please note that our dealership (whose name was clearly visible on the tag), is one of the most successful, high line and exotic dealerships in the Atlanta market, and has been for the last 17 years.

The bottom line is that this person is one of the “few” individuals we encounter daily who make the rest look really bad. Think about it, most of us are invariably good people and do the right thing. Unfortunately, it’s the few bad Cops, salespeople, media outlets, politicians, you name a profession whose actions (and often poor judgment) cause us to be skeptical about folks being willing to do the right thing.

Now, I’ll end with this. This particular sheriff’s deputy was extremely curious about the test drive with our customer. In my opinion, was he being… wait for it, curious-ist? (new word I invented) Anyway, the customer purchased the car and is enjoying it with her family. The deputy in this story is still sitting at QT killing time until serves his next garnishment form or child support order from the Court or until he decides to be CURIOUS again. The “few” in our lives, can we live without them?

Select Luxury Cars, located in Marietta, Ga. on Highway 41, hand “Selects” every vehicle. We specialize in the highest quality automobile made all over the world. Whether you live here in the Atlanta area or anywhere around the world, we will find the exact car you are dreaming of. If you are looking for a Mercedes, BMW, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Ferrari or other high end model, begin your search here.

How to find the right car seat for your child

One of the most important purchases for motorists with children is a good quality car seat. Knowing your little one is safe in the back of the car is not only a legal requirement, but will give peace of mind when traveling to your destination.

However, with so many different makes and models on the market, knowing which car seat to choose can be a tough task. There is also the issue of fitting it, as failing to do so properly could lead to all sorts of problems that can be easily avoided.

What does the law say regarding car seats?

At present, the law stipulates that a child must use a car seat until they reach 135cm tall, or the age of 12 – whichever occurs first. A seat needs to be suitable for the youngster’s age and weight, so parents need to avoid thinking that one size fits all.

What types of car seat are available?

Each child car seat is designed for a different weight, which can be identified using the label on the product. This will indicate which weight ranges the seat is suitable.

Group 0 and Group 0+ seats are rear-facing and suitable for babies weighing up to 13kg.
Group I seats are either forward or rear facing baby seats, suitable for infants between nine and 18kg.
Group II seats are forward facing and are often referred to as booster seats. They are designed for children between 15 and 25kg.

Group III child seats are those best suited to children who weigh more than 22kg.

How do I know which car seat to choose?

One of the best ways to make sure the right car seat is selected is to ask for the help of a sales assistant. They are often equipped with advice on the right product to choose and can help make a sound decision when there are so many choices.

It might be worthwhile to try out a car seat before buying, just to see whether it fits properly within an existing car.

How do I fit the child seat?

The best thing to do when it comes to fitting a car seat is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. It is crucial to make sure the seat is tightly secured in the adult seat and that the seat belt is passed through all the relevant slots.

Another thing to check is that the buckle of the seat belt is not bent over or resting on the frame of the child’s seat, or that the belt is not changed in any way to make it fit.

What can men learn from Women Buyers?

When it comes to car buying, women are more informed and level-headed than male buyers in the showroom. Male buyers tend to use the dealership showroom as a staging ground for a boxing match with the “salesperson”, whereas a female buyer wants to finalize her transaction and leave.

When women approach shopping, they ask all the necessary questions, even if they think they know the answers. They do not rely on what they assume they may know from their vast knowledge of the industry or product.

I for one, respect the different angles my wife takes on purchases and the variety of questions she will ask. Some of the questions I may have been afraid to ask myself or that I have too much of an ego to ask.

Speaking solely as a salesperson, I believe male customers revel in the gamesmanship of sitting in a showroom and arguing back and forth with their salesperson. They have to win. Women do more research and, as a group, are more pragmatic in their vehicle choices. They tend to be more concerned about safety issues and reliability than horsepower and big wheels.

According to Lease Trader, 95% of women buyers list safety performance as their main concern when shopping for their next vehicle. Men (83%), on the other hand list driving and engine performance among their top issues. Here is the bottom line for us men. Please take your time doing your homework before venturing out. Your time is precious, so please do not waste it spending hours at a dealership.

-Roger Evanson

Select Luxury Cars, located in Marietta, Ga. on Highway 41, hand “Selects” every vehicle. We specialize in the highest quality automobiles available in the market. Whether you live here in the Atlanta area or anywhere around the world, we will find the exact car you are dreaming of. If you are looking for a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari or other high end model, begin your search here and we won’t disappoint.

Used Car Pricing

Families in the market for a used highline car might have to keep saving a little longer. National Automobile Dealers Association says the average price for a quality pre-owned vehicle will go up by 2 percent this year. That is on top of the 3 percent increase in 2011.

The biggest reason is that there are fewer cars out there. When the recession started in mid-2007, Automakers slowed down their production, which led to a sharp decrease in the number of quality used cars on the market. The uncertainty of the economy and a weak job market faced American consumers to hold on to their car much longer; according to NADA, the average car on the road today is 11 years old.

Higher gas prices are also responsible for a bigger jump in prices of used, compact, and fuel efficient cars. NADA predicts an almost 3 percent jump in the price for car in this category this year. That being said, you should be able to get a good deal on a gas-guzzling fill size SUVs or Pick-up depending on what market you are in.

The good news for all of us is that new car sales are up this year, so the inventory shortage will not last forever.

As American families finally start to trade in the older vehicles they held onto during the recession, NADA is predicting 13.9 million new car/truck sales for 2012. A lack of access to financing to many struggling families also put the brakes on used car sales; this year, lenders will make credit more available. Most Dealers are trying keep up the momentum that started last year when 12.8 million vehicles were sold, so there are plenty of incentives for perspective buyers to starting looking for that new ride.

Roger Evanson
Select Luxury Cars, located in Marietta, Ga. on Highway 41, hand “Selects” every vehicle. We specialize in the highest quality automobiles available in the market. Whether you live here in the Atlanta area or anywhere around the world, we will find the exact car you are dreaming of. If you are looking for a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari or other high end model, begin your search here and we won’t disappoint.

When is the best time to buy?

In the never ending quest for a great car deal, buyers will spend too much time trying to figure all the angles. A favorite topic to discuss is this: when is the best time to buy a car?

There are many different opinions as to when the best time to purchase. And oddly enough, some of them may be true, but most apply only to Franchise.  Let’s look at a few of them and see which one looks good to you

1)      Model redesigned: The manufacturer is going to continue making a certain model car, but it is about to introduce a completely new design for the same car you are considering now.  Yes, you are buying a car that’s a little outdated, but a deal is a deal. Let the other consumer who has to have the newest model first take the hit to their pocket book.

2)      End of the Month: Dealers might need a few more units to make their monthly bonus. You may be able to negotiate a better deal for yourself and take advantage of any Manufacturers (new cars buyers) incentives.

3)      Rainy Days: There is no one else out there buying cars, so the salesperson will give you deep discounts to get your business. Good luck getting this one to work to your advantage.

4)      Holiday Periods: Again, business is slow so you can get an early Christmas present from desperate dealers. There is probably some truth to this. The problem with that is that some dealers cut back on inventory during the holidays. So, it cuts both ways.

5)      Full Moon: Just kidding, you will not get any full moon discount unless you’re in the Twilight movie series scene.

Really, the best time to buy a car is when you need one and have done all your research. There are many online sites you and use to figure out what factory incentives and rebates are. Make sure you check the salespersons and dealerships’ customer reviews before driving yourself and your family all over the State to save a few hundred dollars.

Roger Evanson

Select Luxury Cars, located in Marietta, Ga. on Highway 41, hand “Selects” every vehicle. We specialize in the highest quality automobiles available in the market. Whether you live here in the Atlanta area or anywhere around the world, we will find the exact car you are dreaming of. If you are looking for a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari or other high end model, begin your search here and we won’t disappoint.

Save Time and Frustration

At any given time while shopping for your next vehicle, you’ll visit a number of online dealers and even some in person.

 

Can you tell the difference between them?

Here is a familiar experience from a friend…….

“I was looking for a car for myself several months ago and like many of you, I got annoyed with the process! When I inquired about a car (from their website), the salesperson told me something that killed my enthusiasm within the first minute of talking to him.  The car I saw was no longer available, then he explained that I could not afford my second choice.”

 

This experience alone can discourage anyone.  As a salesperson, I have even been in the exact situation, so many of you can relate.

That’s why I think Select Luxury has been a successful online dealer.  I am in sales and I don’t use the language or verbiage to discourage my customers.  I try to be professional and honest because I understand that the process can be frustrating. 

 

We understand that customers get upset with their salesperson when they feel that they are not “working” with them on the price. We also understand that some customers have unrealistic goals when purchasing their next luxury vehicle. That why being an “educated consumer” is so important. 

Folks again: research is the key when shopping for a vehicle. A customer will say to me, “XYZ Auto has the car for $2,000 less than your X5!”  My reply is typical, “Have you driven their vehicle? What is the overall condition?”  Customers shopping online MUST research.

1.  Find out how long the dealer has been in business.

2.  Find out what the dealer’s business and customer reviews say

3.  Check the rating on the vehicle to make sure you are truly getting a “good deal”.

 

We all like a good deal, but good service and a quality product are worth the extra money!

Roger Evanson
Select Luxury Cars, located in Marietta, Ga. on Highway 41, hand “Selects” every vehicle. We specialize in the highest quality automobiles available in the market. Whether you live here in the Atlanta area or anywhere around the world, we will find the exact car you are dreaming of. If you are looking for a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari or other high end model, begin your search here and we won’t disappoint.

The Ultimate Driving Machine: The BMW 7 Series

How many of you remember how excited you were when you got your first cool car? Mine was a 1979 black/black 733i with a front and rear spoiler, 4 really bent wheels, and a strut tower that was welded together by the neighborhood fence man in East New York, Brooklyn. I loved that car. That was when I fell in love with BMW 7 series. There are nice cars, and then there is the ultimate driving machine! If you are looking for a full size luxury sedan bring back the excitement you lost with the mundane daily driver, then it’s time to make a change.

I am writing the post as a BMW consumer, and I currently drive a 2006 750i Sport. The 7 series (reviews) commands respect whether standing still or cruising on the Highway. Its luxury appointments make you feel like you’re in your leather recliner with remotes in hand.  Now if you’re an aggressive driver or a cruiser you will not be disappointed with the performance and handling of this car. For a large sedan it is very quick (362hp) and responsive. Style wise, there is not another highline luxury sedan on the market that can compete with the styling of this car. I have seen and driven them all including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Lexus LS which are the closest competitors in the same class.

There are some quirks that might get you annoyed with the I-Drive system in the car. But the best way to look at the system is like windows and mouse on your computer. You go on the application you want then click on it (navigation, climate, audio, etc.). Other than that, do your regular service on it and enjoy the ride. You can get hundreds of thousands of miles out of a BMW as long as you keep it properly maintained.

Every time you get in your car you should be excited. When you drive a 750i or Li, you will enjoy yourself. So, join the BMW family and you will soon understand why it is called the “ultimate driving machine”.

-Roger Evanson
Select Luxury Cars, located in Marietta, Ga. on Highway 41, hand “Selects” every vehicle. We specialize in the highest quality automobiles available in the market. Whether you live here in the Atlanta area or anywhere around the world, we will find the exact car you are dreaming of. If you are looking for a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari or other high end model, begin your search here and we won’t disappoint.

Steps for Buying a GOOD Used Car

Steps for Buying a Car

Buying a car can be a harrowing experience for anyone. There are many makes, model, and color choices from which to choose. Add to that….. the dealerships, sales consultants, trade-in values (if any) and finally coming to a fair price.  I cannot tell you how many times I meet prospective buyers who have no idea what class of vehicle or price point they want.

BUYER!  Do your research before you venture to a dealership to save yourself time, frustration and money. Here are just a few tips on how to make the buying process seamless and relatively pleasant for you and your family:

*Needs assessment - Know what type of vehicle you are looking for. How much can you spend?  Know the payment/price best for you and your family. There are online sites that help you with determining car payments and will generate payment for you based on down payment/term/interest rate, Auto Loan Calculator.  You can also check with your bank for their interest rates and terms prior to going to dealership. You have purchasing power as a consumer; don’t be afraid to use it.

*Qualify- You owe it to yourself to research the dealership and sales consultant.  Read online reviews. Check sites that include reviews/postings:www.dealerrater.com or www.cars.com. Your local Better Business Bureau will also have ratings and complaints as well for the dealer Better Business Bureau.

*Demo – You will be in the next car you buy for 2-3 years on average. Research the vehicle you are considering thoroughly. Again, there are great sites to check for safety, gas mileage and reliability. The best source is www.consumerreports.org.

*Close – Once you’ve completed the steps outlined and educated yourself on financing, you are ready to CLOSE the DEAL.

The internet has very good tools (http://tradein.autotrader.com, www.kbb.com) to use for your trade evaluation. I cannot stress how important is for consumers to get a realistic view of what their trade is worth prior to working with a dealer. Please be honest with yourself when inputting the specs (condition, miles, and options) for your vehicle.

The purchase of an Automobile is the second largest purchase in one’s life next to the purchase of a home. When you look for your home, you research the neighborhood, amenities, schools, and shopping. You owe it to yourself to give the same due diligence when buying your next vehicle.

-Roger Evanson
Select Luxury Cars, located in Marietta, Ga. on Highway 41, hand “Selects” every vehicle. We specialize in the highest quality automobile made all over the world. Whether you live here in the Atlanta area or anywhere around the world, we will find the exact car you are dreaming of. If you are looking for a Mercedes, BMW, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Ferrari or other high end model, begin your search here and we won’t disappoint.