larryh1108
Well-Known Member
I have no problem with friends/relatives helping the naive person buy a car.What do you think of the “Maven” who is there to ensure his friend who doesn’t understand finance and has a 750+ credit score doesn’t get taken advantage of by the stereotypical sleezebag sales person? Once you begin to talk numbers, that person takes over 99%.
They aren't "Mavens" they are helpers to the buyer.
A maven makes demands that can't be met, usually in a loud and demanding voice.
Maven: "My sister with the 525 credit score will not be ripped off and will pay a maximum 9% interest rate when the going rate is 4%.
5% is more than fair for her credit."
Really, sir? Her 525 score means she EARNED a 21% interest rate. Her repo 2 years ago means only a select few lenders will even look at her app.
They charge 21% and the dealer cannot mark up the rate because they are considered high risk.
Now what? Does she want a car or do you want to take her elsewhere where they will charge her 21%?
We all use the same lenders.
Maven: "My sister wants that car listed for $15,000 and will only pay $325 a month because that is her budget!"
Really, sir? Does your sister have $7,000 down because she only qualifies for an $8,000 loan with her repo and 525 score and income.
No? She has $500 down? Well, sir, she cannot buy that car without a cosigner. Are you willing to see if you qualify? No?
Why not? She is your sister and needs a car. Not willing to help family? I thought you are here to help her buy a car. If she wants THAT car she'll need a cosigner. Still not interested?
Ok, let me do my job and find a car that works for her and the lender. That ok?
Anything else before we actually try to help your sister?
Ok, in your situation mentioned, you are not being a maven. You will step in if you see something that isn't right and ask the salesman/finance man
to explain himself. If he cannot clearly explain what is going on then you should advise your friend to think about it over night, right in front of the
person in question. If he doesn't perk up and quit mumbling or double-talking then just get up to leave. He'll do what he can to stop you. A vigilant
manager may be watching and come over to ask if there is a problem. Tell him that Joe here is not listening to you and is making you uncomfortable.
Tell the manager that you are ready to go home to think about it. The manager should talk in private to the offender or take you to a different finance
guy or just take you to another office and finish the paper work himself. They do not want you to leave. Trust me.
Advising a friend or relative is a professional and helpful way is not being a maven. Making demands that are unreasonable and proving that you do not
know what you are talking about is being a maven. Acting like a tough-guy in front of your buddy, girlfriend or relative makes you look like an ass and
will definitely cause your friend to pay more or to waste your time and leave to do it again at another dealer. Usually the buyer will come back without the
maven if they liked you and the car. They realize that their maven embarrassed them and himself. Usually the buyer tells the maven to shut up or leave
when they see he is more of a hindrance than a help.
I am all for helping our loved ones thru the car buying process. Nothing turned my stomach more than watching a slimy shark totally rip that poor divorcee or widow because they needed a car and found the wrong guy. If you are uncomfortable, get up and actually leave. Seriously. They need you more than you need them. If/when a manager asks why you are leaving, tell him that you do not like how your salesman is treating you. If he hears that enough, he won;t be there much longer because a slimy salesman makes the entire dealership look bad. If the new owners prefer to have these types of guys on staff then he won't be around long and another name will be on the pole. A maven is bad. A helper makes the process less frightening.
I have often thought of "renting" out myself to help unsure people buy a car. I'd charge $150 to $200 and I will save them at least $1ooo. I'd be worth it. I would not be helpful to the seasoned buyer or old pro but a recent divorcee or widow can surely use help from someone like me. I'd save them (literally) thousands when it was over.
I'd be a "maven for hire". If anyone here wants me to be their maven, PM me. Seriously.