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Motor 1
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
‘BEAT ME IN A FOOTRACE:' Car Salesman Offers Unconventional Deal on New Car. Would You Do It?
If you've ever wanted to literally run from a car salesman, now's your chance. Getting to the finish line first might even save you $100. Fleet-footed car shoppers in eastern Texas may be wise to make a trip to the Wiesner of Huntsville dealership, where car salesman Adam Vance ( @ ) is offering $100 off any of the models on the lot to anyone who beats him in a footrace. The dealership sells General Motors , Chevrolet , and Buick . Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Vance issued the challenge in a TikTok this spring. The post is captioned, 'No gimmicks, no games, just a footrace for $100 off.' The TikTok has been viewed more than 148,000 times so far. Vance, a 19-year-old junior at Sam Houston State University and former high school athlete, says the idea came from a simple place: Wanting to make car buying feel a little less like a chore. 'It's supposed to be fun,' Vance told Motor1 over the phone. 'If you're thinking about buying a new car, that should be exciting, not stressful.' 'People hear 'car dealership' and tense up. I wanted to break the ice a little,' he added. 'I'm just a regular guy trying to make it. I've got two roommates, and I drive a 300,000-mile truck. I'm not out here to scam anyone.' Ready to Run Trending Now 'That Honda Fit Sounds Like the One:' Used Car Salesman Picks His Top 6 Vehicles Under $4,000. But How Reliable Are They? 'How Does This Happen?:' Nissan Customer Backs Into a Parked Car During Test Drive. Then the Salesman Pulls the Security Footage The rules of the race are pretty flexible: beat Vance in a 40-yard race across the lot and get $100. Vance says he's open to longer or shorter distances depending on the customer's energy or sense of humor. He's done two official races so far, he says. There have been other willing opponents, but sometimes scheduling and logistics have gotten in the way. Vance recalled that one customer pulled up when he was mid-sale with another client and honked at him from across the lot, yelling, 'You ready for that race?' 'I told him, 'If you'll work with another salesperson while I finish up, I'll race you when I'm done,'' Vance said. 'I meant it.' Winning While Selling So far, Vance says he remains undefeated. He played 6A varsity football, ran cross country, and wrestled in high school. But prospective racers/customers shouldn't feel discouraged. 'I'm not trying to humiliate anyone,' he said. 'If you show up ready to run, I'll honor it. Win or lose, we'll both probably be out of breath.' The lighthearted stunt has given Vance a modest dose of internet fame. He insists his offer is about reshaping the experience as much as it's about getting him some attention and new leads. 'There are too many dealers out there who treat people like numbers,' he said. 'If I can make one person smile, or make the process a little more human, that's a win even if I have to sprint for it.' People largely appreciate Vance's approach to sales, though some pointed out that any winner's purse wouldn't reduce the cost of a typical GM vehicle by even half of a percentage point. '100 dollars isn't doing anything; this man just like racing,' one wrote. Another gave Vance kudos for his attitude, writing, 'God forbid someone makes car buying a little more fun.' Yet another appeared ready to get in the starting blocks. 'Let's lock it in,' they said. 'These legs haven't ran since track 5 years ago.' More From Motor1 'I Will Take a Fancy Glass:' Man Goes to the Lexus Dealership for Lunch 5 Weeks in a Row. Can You Do That? 'It'll Be $450:' Man Tries to Get a New Key for His 2022 Toyota Camry at the Dealership. Then He's Sent to the Parts Department 'I Legit Have Nightmares:' Customer Buys Chevy Suburban From Dealership. Then She Runs Into This Issue 3 Weeks Later 'Make Sure You Understand:' Dealership Worker Shares First Thing You Need to Do After Buying a New Car. But Does Anyone Bother? Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Auto loan rate forecast for 2025: Lender competition means good news for good credit borrowers
The highest auto loan rate in 2024 was 8.58 percent for a four-year used car loan in the months of February and July. The lowest auto loan rate in 2024 was 7.41 percent for a four-year used car loan in late October. Bankrate's expert predicts that by the end of 2025, five-year new car loan rates will reach an average of 7.0 percent and four-year used car loans, 7.75 percent. As of June, auto loan rates remain steady, but there are other factors beyond interest rates that consumers should consider when car shopping. If you have been holding off on buying a new vehicle, 2025 could be the right time to visit your local dealership. Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst Greg McBride predicts that rates will ease for most borrowers in 2025, though the high-rate environment will persist for bad-credit borrowers. Increased competition between lenders may help drivers get a good rate. Auto loan rates have shown a gradual, uneven decline since January after reaching historic highs following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they have been relatively steady since late May, ranging from 7.22 percent to 7.24 percent. Despite steady interest rates, access to credit had been tightening until a surge in sales in late May and early June. It's unclear how credit requirements will change over the next few months. For now, average auto loan rates remain high. Finally, car sales increased in April and May but are expected to decline as pre-tariff inventory dwindles and new, more expensive vehicles arrive on lots. Some manufacturers are absorbing these elevated costs through special incentives, but MSRPs are expected to rise by late summer. Affordability has been — and will continue to be — challenging for consumers, and it is likely that both new and used cars will see price increases through the end of 2025. The Federal Reserve's choice to cut short-term interest rates wrote the story on auto loan rates this year. When the Fed first cut rates in September, auto loan rates started a gradual decline. This is in contrast to last year when borrowers were met with climbing interest rates driven by the four rate hikes in 2023. As of late 2024, the Fed has lowered rates three times, which will help to continue bringing rates down into 2025. Changes have been minimal so far. Looking back, average rates stayed within the same percentage point from the year's start to its end. In early 2024, average rates for new and used vehicles were 6.73 percent and 11.91 percent, respectively, according to Experian. The third quarter brought similar rates: 6.61 percent for new cars and 11.74 percent for used cars. Although several factors drive interest rates, including moves made by the Federal Reserve, your credit has the most influence on the rate you're offered. For example, prime borrowers in the third quarter secured an average rate of 6.70 percent for new cars compared to subprime borrowers with an average of 13.00 percent, according to Experian. But as McBride points out, there are factors beyond interest rates you should pay attention to in 2025. 'Your biggest savings may not come from the interest rate perspective,' McBride shares. You can save by shopping for a lower-priced vehicle or opting for a used car instead of a new one. McBride also recommends tapping into vehicle incentives, which can help offset high interest rates. Cox Automotive data from the fourth quarter found that incentives accounted for 8 percent of average transaction prices — compared to just 5.7 percent in January. Drivers with strong credit can get a competitive deal with some forethought and flexibility. As a reporter covering auto loans for the past three years, I sat down with two experts to get the inside scoop on how drivers can find the best deal for their next vehicle purchase. Learn more Serious auto loan delinquencies are at a 14-year high, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and bad-credit borrowers will continue to face the double whammy of steep rates and expensive vehicle prices. Lenders have a limited risk appetite and won't be competing for bad-credit borrowers' business. 'What's really driven up car payments in recent years hasn't been the interest rates. It's been car prices and the amounts that borrowers are financing,' McBride clarifies. A recent report from the Federal Reserve confirmed this by crunching the numbers to determine what drove higher car payments. It found that a 1 percent shift in the size of the loan directly correlates to a 1 percent change in the monthly payments, while interest rates had far less impact. So, larger loan amounts are the reason for the steep increase in borrowers' monthly payments. Simply, the report states, 'Although the reasons differ, higher interest rates do not appear to explain the higher monthly payments for any borrower.' For those with less-than-perfect credit, shopping around for a less expensive car can be the key to saving money. The less you finance, the more quickly you can pay off the loan and the more money you will have in your wallet the next time you're in the market for a car. Learn more: The best bad credit auto loan rates 'The bigger picture is, you want to focus on breaking the cycle of your car payments,' McBride shares. 'You do want to get to a point where you have the vehicle longer than you have the loan, and the more months you have where you don't have car payments, that's more months you can be building up savings for a larger down payment on the next one and that snowballs in a positive way.' Improving your credit score will also mean better rates and lower payments next time you shop. The truth is, there is no perfect time to finance a new vehicle, and expensive costs can make it challenging for some to find a good deal. But McBride has simple advice for shoppers. 'Whatever steps you can take to improve your credit before you're in the market for a vehicle loan is going to do more to reduce your interest costs than anything the Federal Reserve does, McBride says. Follow these tips to keep your budget healthy and find the best deal on your car purchase. Stay current on credit card and loan payments — a history of timely payments boosts your credit score, qualifying you for lower auto loan rates. Shop with a few auto loan lenders to see which offers you the best deal. Take advantage of any seasonal deals dealerships offer. Be flexible. With less inventory, you may need to come prepared with backup car colors or models. Expand your search to several dealerships and research manufacturer's suggested retail prices before you head in for a test drive. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Which Victorville area car dealership do you recommend to others? Vroom, vroom
You've seen USA TODAY's list of top cars dealers in California. But what is your preferred dealership when you are car shopping? In the High Desert, several made the top 250 car dealerships list. Included were Valley Hi Nissan, Sunland Ford, Valley Hi Toyota and Valley Hi Kia. In San Bernardino, AllStar Kia San Bernardino made the list for new and used Kias. We're doing a purely unscientific poll that gives you the opportunity to tell us what car dealership you recommend to others. If you didn't agree with the list, this poll is especially for you. Write in the dealership you trust for your car purchases. The poll allows you to pick more than one answer, if you have more than one dealership that you like. Vote through the Fourth of July weekend. Share the poll, too, with anyone who you think should take it. The poll closes at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. We will share the results later that same week. Print subscribers, go to to take the poll, which expires at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. Remember to share the poll with anyone you know who may be interested in taking it. If you'd like to suggest a local topic the Daily Press/ should poll readers about, leave a comment on Facebook page. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Vote for the High Desert area car dealership you recommend for car buying
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Which Salinas area car dealership do you recommend to others? Vroom, vroom
You've seen USA TODAY's list of top cars dealers in California. But what is your preferred dealership when you are car shopping? In the Salinas area, 101 Motorsports on Prunedale Road made the top 250 car dealerships list. The dealership sells all brands of used vehicles, according to the list. Freeway Toyota of Gilroy also made the list for new and used Toyotas. Seven other nearby dealerships made the list: BMW of Monterey, 1 Geary Plaza, Seaside Cardinale Nissan, 1661 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside Capitol Volkswagen: 911 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall A, San Jose Lexus Stevens Creek: 3333 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose Capitol Toyota: 775 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall, San Jose Capitol Honda: 745 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall, San Jose Capitol Nissan: 1120 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall, San Jose We're doing a purely unscientific poll that gives you the opportunity to tell us what car dealership you recommend to others. If you didn't agree with the list, this poll is especially for you. Write in the dealership you trust for your car purchases. The poll allows you to pick more than one answer, if you have more than one dealership that you like. Vote through the Fourth of July weekend. Share the poll, too, with anyone who you think should take it. The poll closes at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. We will share the results later that same week. Print subscribers, go to the to take the poll, which expires at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. Remember to share the poll with anyone you know who may be interested in taking it. If you'd like to suggest a local topic the Salinas Californian/ should poll readers about, leave a comment on our Facebook page. This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Vote for the Central Coast car dealership you recommend for car buying
Motor 1
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Woman Visits Toyota Dealership. Then a Salesman Refuses to Give Her a Pricing Breakdown When She's Quoted $27,500
A woman is swearing off a Toyota dealership in a Dallas suburb after they purportedly refused to give her a pricing breakdown for a $27,500 vehicle. But not everyone is sympathetic to her cause. A TikTok user named Katie Casey (@ktkc_rn) posted a video on June 4 with the full story. In the video, Casey explains that she started her car shopping journey at a dealership in Richardson, Texas. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . She thought she was prepared after asking ChatGPT and TiKTok how to get the best deal. When Casey arrived at the first dealership, she says she encountered a salesperson new on the job who had trouble answering basic questions. Casey says she initially wasn't a fan of the coworker who stepped in to assist the salesperson. 'First, I thought he was playing with me,' Casey said. 'Because I was like, 'On the CARFAX, it says there was a recall. Was it dealt with?' And he's like, 'Oh, probably.'' Casey informed the salesperson that she didn't intend to buy a car on a 'probably.' She says the interaction improved from there. When she informed him she was going to the Toyota dealership across the street, she says the salesperson became more than accommodating. He let her take a pricing breakdown so she could comparison shop and even gave her one of their loaner cars. Her experience at the next dealership wasn't nearly as positive, she says. 'The Toyota dealership in Richardson played in my face,' she said. Casey said she felt like the sales staff didn't take her seriously. She also claims that, although she was up front about her budget, the salesperson didn't respect it. 'I was like, 'My out-the-door payment, my max, is going to be $25,000,'' Casey recalled. ''That's all I'm spending.' He's like, 'Well, this is $27,500.' I was like, '$25k is my max.' He's like, 'It's just $2,500 [more].'' 'Sir, no, that's not what we're doing.' Casey said the salesman also denied her request for a pricing breakdown 'He was like, 'Are you going to take that to another dealership?' I was like, 'Is that not allowed? Do you have a rulebook?'' she said, pointing out that she just left a dealership that allowed her to take a pricing breakdown with her. Casey said she told the salesperson that for this reason, she wouldn't give him her business—even if he had the best price. 'He was like, 'What can we change to sell you a car today?'' she said. 'I was like, 'Your attitude, sir.'' Trending Now 'This Is, By Far, The Perfect Vehicle:' Mechanic Spots 2017 Toyota Sequoia Platinum Edition at Auction. Then He Sees the Price First-Time Shopper Buys Her 'Dream Car.' Then the Salesman 'Scams' Her out of Her Audi The Wrong Way to Shop for a Car? In the comments, viewers offered mixed reactions to Casey's story. Many feel her approach to car shopping is too rigid. 'Respectfully, you have not the slightest clue as to what you're saying or doing so I probably wouldn't be giving reviews on dealers,' wrote one person. 'We need to ban you from ever buying a vehicle… or stepping foot into a dealership,' joked a second. 'They gave you the car so you would come back,' offered another person. 'It's called yo-yo-ing.' Despite the negativity, Casey's approach closely aligns with most best practice advice. In general, experienced car buyers recommend knowing your out-the-door price, shopping around , and avoiding the full sticker price. Some may disagree, but Casey's method may have gotten her the best price. And isn't that what everyone wants when they buy a car? Motor1 reached out to Casey and Toyota of Richardson for comment. We'll update this post if either responds. More From Motor1 Man Buys $70,000 Ford After Dealership 'Played With the Numbers' for Him. 2 Years Later, He's Speaking Out Toyota Math: 9 Million EVs Are Just as Polluting as 27 Million Hybrids Woman Gets Dealership Oil Change For Her Brand-New Toyota Tundra. Then She Catches the Technician In a Lie Dealerships, Desperate to Survive, Could Use Robotic Salespeople Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
