[Bojib]

Recently I was reminded of the last couple of times I purchased a vehicle. I have for the most part bought cars at auction, or from an individual seller, so buying off a car dealer is a newer experience for me.

One of the things that sticks out to me most is both times I've bought cars at dealers, at the end of the day the salesperson always says "Congratulations". I also have a couple friends on facebook that are car salesmen and they often post pictures on the dealerships facebook page with the new car owners by their recent purchase, and my car salesman friends always comment "congratulations to such of such on their new purchase".

Why do they do this? What's to congratulate? It's not like I won the lottery or anything. To me it's no different than going to the grocery store and buying a gallon of milk, no one congratulates me on that purchase.

Can someone explain this ridiculous phenomenon to me?

 

[TruckIt]

I presume they are trying to make the buyer think that they worked a out great deal and thus won against the dealership. We know this is never the case as they will not sell if they don't make the amount of money they have to, but it may just have the person come back to the same dealership the next time they want to buy to see if they can 'win' again.

These are just my thoughts, but I suspect I am not too far off.

 

[Cusser]

I've not purchased a vehicle so am not familiar with this experience. I think it's a ploy to make you feel better, the old "show off to your neighbors" B.S.

Of course the salesguys are really congratulating themselves, as they ALWAYS get the best of the deal, and on both ends if there's a trade in.

Try walking into Home Depot and trying to negotiate a price on a water heater, the whole vehicle buying thing is a sham. Of course, my father-in-law told me that he always gets great deals, that he knows how to "work" them !!! Of course, he is an a$$hole in every aspect that I've ever seen....

 

[FFTR]

Last three houses I have purchased the realtor said congrats when the deal closed and I got the keys. Same for many of the cars I have purchased over the years.
Cars are generally considered the second largest purchase a person does outside of a home.

imo, its just being nice.

 

[R.T.]

It's to acknowledge the fact that they have reached a point financially to afford what for many, if not most, is a very expensive purchase.

To me it's no different than going to the grocery store and buying a gallon of milk, no one congratulates me on that purchase.

Congrats on being so financially well off that buying cars is like buying milk. Does that mean you pay cash and buy a new car every week? Because that's how most people buy milk.

You know the old saying, "One man's milk is another mans car".

Hope this helps explain the "ridiculous phenomenon" of congratulating someone on their accomplishment.

 

[Bojib]

What accomplishment? Is it like the kids that get trophies for participation? Actually, next time I buy a car off a dealer I want a trophy to go with my congratulations, maybe even a t-shirt.

I want them to say "good job on going in debt". Along with the congratulatory hand shake I want them to also say "Way to go buddy, you just did what 95% of all americans do".

It's more expensive than milk, but not that much more of an accomplishment.

 

[Cusser]

What's to congratulate? It's not like I won the lottery or anything. To me it's no different than going to the grocery store and buying a gallon of milk, no one congratulates me on that purchase.

Can someone explain this ridiculous phenomenon to me?

The salesguys want you to walk out feeling good that you signed your future financial security away, and also would love if you tell your friends and relatives his name so he can ream them as well.

99% of financial experts agree that buying a brand-new vehicle is one of the WORST financial acts a person can do (unless he has over $1 million).

This is discussed well in the book "The Millionaire Next Door" and many online sources. We know of a 55 year old gal who thinks her Hyundai "needs to be" replaced because it has 70K on it (looks and drives like brand-new), that was thinking from the 1940s when materials and engineering was below today's standards (I think she should focus more on saving for her retirement, her 401k etc. is dwarfed by ours).

Myself: the newest vehicle I've EVER had was the 2-year old VW I bought in late 1972. My daily drivers are a 1988 Mazda B2200 truck and 1998 4-cylinder Frontier (both with 210K on them), and my "future vehicle" is my 2004 Frontier with 96K. Important for me - in Arizona - is decent AC and reliability, things do not rust out here. So a truck covered from the sun (even a shade for the dashboard) can look darn good after a decade.

 

[shift_RUSH]

Rather have a - "Good friggin' luck w/ your new purchase, chump"...? -heh-

Congrats = the PC salutation.

New vehicles are not an investment, but rather a treat to one's self. It is a high cost to pay just to know how/where/by-whom when it comes to maintenance and driving practices. My '00 bought used in '05 w/ just 33k on it proved to be the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned/maintained = and I think that says a LOT about our Frontiers and Nissan.

 

[R.T.]

What's to congratulate? It's not like I won the lottery or anything.

So let me try to understand because I'm not that smart. You think it's more appropriate to be congratulated for being lucky than it is to be congratulated for earning the financial ability to purchase a car.

Using your earlier trophy analogy, winning the lottery is like getting the championship cup for only participating. You didn't do anything more outstanding than anyone else playing did, you just got lucky. Congratulations you earned it, wait, no you di...

In my initial post, I just offered up my opinion on one of the reasons why purchasers are congratulated. I also agree with other posters that some of it is psychological gamesmanship to get referrals and repeat customers. I also agree that the salesperson may be just trying to be nice (and PC).

I am happy for you having reached a point in life where buying a car is the same as buying milk (only "more expensive"). However, I also recognize that for many people it requires hard work and sacrifice to purchase/own a car (much more than buying milk). For which, maybe they should be congratulated (or not, if you're so inclined).

You asked, I offered an opinion. You disagree, I'm okay with it.

Have a nice day.

 

[myVQ]

You don't buy a new car every day.

Get out and enjoy the sunshine.

 

[Bojib]

So let me try to understand because I'm not that smart. You think it's more appropriate to be congratulated for being lucky than it is to be congratulated for earning the financial ability to purchase a car.

To be honest, it's hard to reply to you. The thing is, where everyone else just pointed out a possible reason, you brought me right back into it. Making it a bit more personal.

Congrats on being so financially well off that buying cars is like buying milk. Does that mean you pay cash and buy a new car every week? Because that's how most people buy milk.

Being the internet and all, it's hard to know if that's a genuine statement or an insolent one. The pay cash and buy a new car ever week statement makes it seem more insolent.



My whole point in the post was to have a lighthearted fun discussion about something that just seems very silly, to me anyway. I didn't want it to become anything personal toward anyone, or me for that matter.

 

[R.T.]

My whole point in the post was to have a lighthearted fun discussion about something that just seems very silly, to me anyway. I didn't want it to become anything personal toward anyone, or me for that matter.

Maybe I would have found it more "lighthearted" if I didn't find your comparison to "buying milk" and "participation awards" to be arrogant and denigrating to those that work hard, save, scrimp and sacrifice to purchase a car (worthy of congrats).

It's not as easy as buying milk for most, be thankful.

But like you said, "being the internet and all" maybe I misinterpreted it.

Sorry I disrupted the frivolity, I won't comment further so the fun may continue.

 

[Bojib]

I think we pretty much killed the post entirely anyway. Might as well lock and delete it.

 

[whistler]

I have to agree with R.T.. They are just congratulating you for being able to to purchase a vehicle.
Same as becoming a home owner.
I don't remember being told congratulations my last three vehicle purchases.
There were no haggling on price.Friend's wife worked for Chrysler and got the Friend/Family deal on my Dodge.
Friend's friend owned the dealership where I got the Frontier.
Bought the Ford Focus through Internet sales.
Am I grateful that I was able to pay cash for them? Yes,but it might have been those 60-70 hour work weeks I did for years.

I think we pretty much killed the post entirely anyway. Might as well lock and delete it.

I agree.Lets start one why they congratulate you on your birthday.

 

[2013Pro4X]

This thread is now locked.