Holden called me...

johnydep · 10-02-2012, 12:45 PM

I am in the market for a new car, so have called into a few dealers.

Over the past week, my wife and I have been inundated with calls from Ford and Holden (we don't mind).

I just got a call from a large Holden dealer, we got chatting and I said I have my own business and want to keep an eye on the economy over the next couple of weeks, so call me in two weeks.

He said that last week was their worst week, that he has ever seen. And offered me a Commodore Equipe at an unbelievable price

Tempting, but I already have a large car. However, that's not the point.

Are potential new car buyers doing what I am? Watching the economy? If so, this could be bad for our local guys; what with the high dollar and low exports.

Not good.

blueoval · 10-02-2012, 12:52 PM

selling large family cars in oz is probably the hardest car type to sell in an unknown economy. It is certainly a buyers market out there and by the sounds of it, the Holden dealer is desperate to move stock on. If you were willing to look at the large car market, you could have pressured the dealer further I would presume. But this isn't a new tactic with dealers. If they can see you are genuine to buy, they will hound you for a sale even if it means a possible loss.

Just my 2c

Majestic · 10-02-2012, 12:52 PM

what was the price you were offered for the Commodore?

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnydep

I am in the market for a new car, so have called into a few dealers.

Over the past week, my wife and I have been inundated with calls from Ford and Holden (we don't mind).

I just got a call from a large Holden dealer, we got chatting and I said I have my own business and want to keep an eye on the economy over the next couple of weeks, so call me in two weeks.

He said that last week was their worst week, that he has ever seen. And offered me a Commodore Equipe at an unbelievable price

Tempting, but I already have a large car. However, that's not the point.

Are potential new car buyers doing what I am? Watching the economy? If so, this could be bad for our local guys; what with the high dollar and low exports.

Not good.

johnydep · 10-02-2012, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Majestic

what was the price you were offered for the Commodore?

34ish. If he's willing to mention that over the phone, what could we sort out face to face?

Sounds ok http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257926001C6EB5

Damn, nothings ever easy is it? And to think that we almost signed up for a Focus two weeks ago, we would have been happily cruising now. Instead, we're holding off.

SpoolMan · 10-02-2012, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnydep

And to think that we almost signed up for a Focus two weeks ago, we would have been happily cruising now. Instead, we're holding off.

We did Focus Sport $30k, its features, quality and equipment far exceeds the Commodore and Falcon and Focus is European built.

martyk54 · 11-02-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

We did Focus Sport $30k, its features, quality and equipment far exceeds the Commodore and Falcon and Focus is European built.

Ah... no it isn't. As far as I'm aware the only Focus in recent times shipped directly from Europe was the old XR5 / ST. Not that 'European built' means a thing, just ask some people who have owned such cars.

Focus is a fantastic package all the same, all current models are built in Thailand.

In Focus · 11-02-2012, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyk54

Ah... no it isn't. As far as I'm aware the only Focus in recent times shipped directly from Europe was the old XR5 / ST. Not that 'European built' means a thing, just ask some people who have owned such cars.

Focus is a fantastic package all the same, all current models are built in Thailand.

Nope. Current LW Focus models are sourced from Europe. Production is expected to switch to Thailand some time this year. Then, hopefully, the supply restriction will ease, and Ford can sell bucket-loads of them.

tezxr8man · 11-02-2012, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

We did Focus Sport $30k, its features, quality and equipment far exceeds the Commodore and Falcon and Focus is European built.

European built just means it's no fun to work on therefore more expensive and costs a lot for parts

SpoolMan · 11-02-2012, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyk54

Ah... no it isn't. As far as I'm aware the only Focus in recent times shipped directly from Europe was the old XR5 / ST. Not that 'European built' means a thing, just ask some people who have owned such cars.

.

Build tag says in built in Germany...
http://www.caradvice.com.au/130859/f...cus-review-lw/

Quote:

Originally Posted by tezxr8man

European built just means it's no fun to work on therefore more expensive and costs a lot for parts

For us its a bonus a European build, either way we always support the badge..

Quote:

Originally Posted by In Focus

Nope. Current LW Focus models are sourced from Europe. Production is expected to switch to Thailand some time this year. Then, hopefully, the supply restriction will ease, and Ford can sell bucket-loads of them.

Supply has been issue for the titanium and sport since release sales are up 28% on the Focus and this is before it knocked off the GTI Golf as Drive car of the year..

poppa smurf · 10-02-2012, 12:55 PM

quite common to be called by car salesman especially if they are selling large cars.....I was getting two or three a week when it was known I was "in the market"

highly competitive field, one that i'm glad I'm not part of!

Mr Hardware · 10-02-2012, 01:32 PM

http://www.holden.com.au/latestoffer...mmodore-equipe

$34990 drive away

would I pay $35k for something with dubious build quality and a 3L wheezy V6?

NOPE

Rodge · 10-02-2012, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

http://www.holden.com.au/latestoffer...mmodore-equipe

$34990 drive away

would I pay $35k for something with dubious build quality and a 3L wheezy V6?

NOPE

+1 and not at any price. That sisi motor couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding. You get what you pay for, always have, always will.

Brazen · 10-02-2012, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodge

+1 and not at any price. That sisi motor couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding.

the engine is fine, its actually pretty gutsy and with 190kw its really good on fuel.

Paxton · 10-02-2012, 01:35 PM

Think about it this way John - the Equipe will always be a Poverty Package, tarted up, and with the POS 3.0, whereas either the Focus or Cruze (did you look at the Jetta?) will be higher up in the range, with more fruit in them, and better resale, when that time comes.

johnydep · 10-02-2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paxton

Think about it this way John - the Equipe will always be a Poverty Package, tarted up, and with the POS 3.0, whereas either the Focus or Cruze (did you look at the Jetta?) will be higher up in the range, with more fruit in them, and better resale, when that time comes.

Yeah, your right. What had me thinking was the options list, it's long.

The Jetta is nice, the base model is well priced.But model I want with the options, value for money is long gone. Talking Mondeo Titanium territory, for a nice car with an ugly 80's dash (though the missus like the dash, I could not live with it).

I've decided to wait on a few things.
See if Ford change their thinking with the Focus
Waiting for a close friend in Holden to give me some intel on the Cruze upgrade.
Anything else that may catch our fancy.

Smoke Pursuit · 10-02-2012, 01:36 PM

They are doing them much cheaper then that...

I had one offered to me at $29 kay drive away...

johnydep · 10-02-2012, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DASH GT

They are doing them much cheaper then that...

I had one offered to me at $29 kay drive away...

Called me back; clerical error price is 32499 with options, drive away.

Smoke Pursuit · 10-02-2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnydep

Called me back; clerical error price is 32499 with options, drive away.

Yep...

Id buy one over a focus as I am looking at a Focus Diesel too, even though the Commodore will use more fuel it should be more comfortible... the come with a free reverse camera too atm.

Shonky. · 11-02-2012, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnydep

Called me back; clerical error price is 32499 with options, drive away.

Ha Ha. Love it! Sorry, I was holding my rrp card upside down. It's heaps cheaper now. Please come back :(

castellan · 10-02-2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnydep

I am in the market for a new car, so have called into a few dealers.

Over the past week, my wife and I have been inundated with calls from Ford and Holden (we don't mind).

I just got a call from a large Holden dealer, we got chatting and I said I have my own business and want to keep an eye on the economy over the next couple of weeks, so call me in two weeks.

He said that last week was their worst week, that he has ever seen. And offered me a Commodore Equipe at an unbelievable price

Tempting, but I already have a large car. However, that's not the point.

Are potential new car buyers doing what I am? Watching the economy? If so, this could be bad for our local guys; what with the high dollar and low exports.

Not good.

Imagine if you worked for the government you would be jumping for joy but owning you own business and the new tax coming out

only all the wage earners will get extra money to compensate for a year or two maybe.

Brazen · 10-02-2012, 02:17 PM

Does the Equipe have leather as well??? I would honestly take a well equipped Falcon or Commodore over a Focus or Cruze - the big cars have very similiar economy nowadays to these heavy small cars.

Talking to a roofer he has never seen his work so quiet, its scary as these guys have mortgages, equipment repayments, advertising, car payments etc - these dont go away when he has no work.

Mr Hardware · 10-02-2012, 02:18 PM

Yep the equipe has leather.

Brazen · 10-02-2012, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

Yep the equipe has leather.

A rear wheel drive large V6 sedan with leather and camera, 18inch wheels, touchscreen for 32 large? Man, I wouldnt even go near a Cruze or Focus.

See if Ford could do something similar.

Smoke Pursuit · 10-02-2012, 02:20 PM

The Equipe has a Calais V series 1 interior pretty much.. same cluster, seats, leather etc.

Its good value for 29 kay!

Rodge · 10-02-2012, 03:05 PM

For a few thou more he could have a car (XR6) that actually steers, handles and makes proper torque

Brazen · 10-02-2012, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodge

For a few thou more he could have a car (XR6) that actually steers, handles and makes proper torque

I have seen FG1 Limited Edition XR6s for 31,990 with leather which would be a great car. When you are spending 20 grand on a Focus you cant really cross-shop with a local car, but once you start spending up to 35g on the Focus its probably worth checking out the deals on a Falcon (or Commodore).

Smoke Pursuit · 10-02-2012, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodge

For a few thou more he could have a car (XR6) that actually steers, handles and makes proper torque

Im no Holden lover but 2 of those things are actually better in the VE then they are in the FG...

As for the torque well ill let you have that one, but we are comparing a V6 to a 4 cylinder here (some diesel).

johnydep · 10-02-2012, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodge

For a few thou more he could have a car (XR6) that actually steers, handles and makes proper torque

The car is for the wife, she's no race car driver. The Falcon is not on her radar, she just does not like the looks of it. She was keen on the Focus, but that's over.

My wife has never been a Commy or Falcon person but the next door neighbour has a one, and my wife likes it.

I've told her no, because of the size, but the pricing is going to make it hard for me when I get home

Brazen · 10-02-2012, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnydep

The car is for the wife, she's no race car driver. The Falcon is not on her radar, she just does not like the looks of it. She was keen on the Focus, but that's over.

My wife has never been a Commy or Falcon person but the next door neighbour has a one, and my wife likes it.

I've told her no, because of the size, but the pricing is going to make it hard for me when I get home

With rear parking sensors and rear-view camera, some of these large cars are quite easy to live with.

With a family we tried the one large car and one small car approach. I traded in the small car 7 months later ha. But we live in the sticks.

Were you looking at a Focus sedan or hatch?

johnydep · 10-02-2012, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brazen

With rear parking sensors and rear-view camera, some of these large cars are quite easy to live with.

With a family we tried the one large car and one small car approach. I traded in the small car 7 months later ha. But we live in the sticks.

Were you looking at a Focus sedan or hatch?

Sedan.