FRIDAY 25 MAY 2018 || ISSUE 006
INSIDE >>
P5 Girl Torque with Tabatha Lynch
>>
P10 Best Road Trip Movies
>>
P15 Path to Purchase
PAGE 3
HOLDEN COLORADO LSX
AVAILABLE AT WAGGA MOTORS BEING
SEEN IS LIFE BY ALAN REID
PAGE 9
WE ARE YOUR LOCAL GUIDE FOR EVERYTHING ON WHEELS From skate boards to semis & cars to caravans. We have all your wheels covered.
|| DRIVER’S SIDE Anyone who knows anything about Harley Davidson motor cycles would have heard of Sturgis.
heartland of America, cowboy towns and 50’s diners in what will be an intimate look at smalltown America.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally started by the Jackpine Gypsies in 1938 has been held in Sturgis South Dakota since 1938 with a record 739,000 attending the event in 2015. Dedicated to all things Harley Davidson the only year that it has not taken place was 1942 because of petrol rationing during World War Two.
If you feel the need to channel Billy or Wyatt from Easy Rider with a tour group maximum of 20 riders this is the adventure for you. So contact Greg on 0412 294 914 and get on the road to the 78th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Thanks to Greg for giving me a heads up; hopefully next year Greg.
So, what does this have to do with Wagga?
If you would like to be included in next week’s edition please contact Kieren on:
KIEREN L. TILLY
TORQUE BIG WHEEL
The idea incorporated a road trip from Deadwood to Sturgis and on to Las Vegas, taking in the sights and sounds of the
99 Peter Street Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650
Drivers Side
2
What’s On
2
GIRL TORQUE with Tabatha Lynch 5 9
THE JOY OF TORQUE 10
PATH TO PURCHASE A dealership perspective
Bad road joke for this week – A trucker gets lost one day and as luck would have it he comes to the low bridge and gets stuck under it. The cars are backed up for miles behind him. Eventually, a police car pulls up. The officer gets out and walks up to the truck driver. He puts his hands on his hips and says to him, “Got stuck huh, sir? “The trucker replies, “No, I was delivering this bridge and ran out of fuel.” Safe Travelling, Cheers, Kieren.
WHAT’S
|| IN THIS ISSUE
The best road trip movies
Retired school principal, Greg Smith, who divides his love for bikes between a 2016 Harley and a 1966 Vespa, has travelled extensively on two-wheel tours in several countries in company with Sydney based tour partner Rod Kelly and his son Cam Kelly. In 2015 Greg and Rod began to hatch a plan to host their own tour to the home of Milwaukee metal, Sturgis, South Dakota.
kieren@waggaweekly.com.au 0488 533 569 | 02 6923 3900
Being seen is LIFE
Well believe it or not there’s a hardy soul living the dream as a Harley enthusiast in Wagga taking like-minded Harley owners to the USA and the Sturgis Rally.
This week we meet sales consultant for Jeep in Wagga. Tabatha Lynch, who provides her thoughts on the job that she loves. Regular contributor, Matthew Vandermark also has some wise words, and if you are looking for something to do wheels related, check out What’s On below.
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2 || FRIDAY 25 MAY 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
ON
42nd Historic Winton Race Meeting Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May Winton Motor Raceway (near Benalla Vic)
Historic Winton, Australia’s longest running, all-historic motor race meeting features two big days of racing involving 400 historic racing machines along with a large static display of Heritage vehicles.
Netier National Capital Rally
Friday 1st Saturday 2nd Sunday 3rd June Kowen Forest, Canberra. A round of both the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) and the Australian Rally Championship, cementing Canberra as the home of the APRC in Australia.
Walla Walla Swap Meet and Show and Shine
Monday 11 June 2018 Walla Walla Showground, Commercial Street, Walla Walla All you would expect from one of the growing swap meets in the area, Show and Shine with trophies on offer, face-painting, jumping castle, hot food, licensed bar and more. Campers invited to start setting up on Sunday, gates open to the public at 7.00am.
Australian Hay Mini Nationals
Saturday 8th June to Monday 11th June. It will take place on the private property, Willunga, which is approximately 12 kilometres from Hay on the West Wyong Road (Mid-Western Highway) and a Show and Shine will be held in Moppett Street Hay. A collection and event all things Mini, Australia’s most prestigious Mini show and shine with a new class for Modern Mini (1983 – 2000). There will be a celebration on Saturday night which will including Hay Heroes run under stadium lights, Hay Heroes Juniors, grab a flag novelty event, bon fire, fireworks, food, music and party in a giant marquee.
ON THE COVER TOUGH COMFORT IN
COLORADO
If you’re contemplating buying a new vehicle for fun or the workplace, consider the Colorado LSX
|| BY KIEREN L. TILLY
In this day and age vehicles are becoming more multi-purpose, featuring the comforts and flexibility suited to suburbia, the ruggedness of a workhorse and the durability for a variety of relaxations. One vehicle that fits this niche is the Holden Colorado LSX which has arrived at Wagga Motors. Inside the LSX boasts lashings of comfort with a leather wrap steering wheel which provides controls at the fingertips, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and rear 60/40 folding seat complete with under seat storage. Adding to the enjoyment is the Holden MyLink infotainment centre, which boasts six speakers and Bluetooth Audio streaming, an easy to use and functional Bluetooth connectivity and AUX and USB inputs. A crew cab pickup priced from $44,990 driveaway, the LSX also displays a tough side with a 2.8 litre Duramax diesel engine producing the torque and towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, enough for either business or pleasure. And it’s available as either 2WD or 4WD option.
complemented by the 18-inch all terrain tyres accented by fender flares and standard front and rear extended mudflaps, black door side mouldings and black grille. The rear end is unmistakably Colorado with a feature decal so those in the rear don’t have to tailgate to know who is in front of them. This vehicle also has a variety of modern safety features, including a driver’s knee airbag as well as driver and front passenger airbags and side impact airbags. Also, as standard there’s a variety of vehicle safety electronic functions, electronic brakeforce distribution EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS) and descent control system (DCS). The LSX comes with a five-year unlimited warranty and five-year roadside assistance along with service intervals of 15,000 kms or nine months. So if you’re contemplating buying a new vehicle for fun or the workplace, consider the Colorado LSX. Contact the team at Wagga Motors at 32 Dobney Avenue or call 6933 0100.
Adding to the tough look are the all business front end with an extended black sports bar
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 25 MAY 2018 || 3
www.waggaholden.com.au
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GIRL TORQUE
“There is no two ways about it, the industry has certainly changed for the better with strong regulation of the industry”
“WHAT IF I SOLD A JEEP?” || BY KIEREN L. TILLY In the same way that business accepts that women often hold the purse strings when it comes to major purchases, consumers must realise that these days people such as sales consultant with Chrysler Jeep Wagga Motors, Tabatha Lynch, are equally as knowledgeable about the vehicles they sell as their male counterparts. “Whether you are male or female Wagga Motors expect its sales people to be knowledgeable about the vehicles they sell. This involves studying specifications and features, and you have to know what you are talking about even though some male customers will specifically wait for a male consultant to be available. “I can’t do anything about that point of view I can only be as professional as possible and prove my knowledge to them,” Tabatha said. As well as women being more involved in the sale and the purchase of vehicles, Tabatha believes the perception of the industry and of car sales people has improved in the broader community. “There is no two ways about it, the industry has certainly changed for the better with strong regulation of the industry, but also, more recently, the power of social media means that word spreads if you do the wrong thing. We cannot afford to be seen burning through our prospective clients. We have a smaller customer base than say Sydney and word would get around,” Tabatha explained. We are admiring an SUV which occupies centre stage in the Jeep showroom, a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The vehicle is sold but is on show prior to going to its new home. The Trackhawk is the fastest SUV in the world, going from 0 to 100km/hr in just 3.7 seconds. “Literally the walls shake when we
have started it up” says Tabatha, a selfconfessed Jeep Wrangler fan. Tabatha concedes she was never really into cars before starting her current position. “I left school and opened my own business in Junee, a café called Off the Rails”. However, discovering she had a natural talent for dealing with people face-to-face she decided to follow up an advertisement for a sales position at Wagga Motors. “I thought to myself I could buy a Jeep, what if I could say I sold a Jeep? I liked the way the ad read. Dare I say, it seemed like a cool, different sort of job,” Tabatha explained. She also has strong views on what is required to be in car sales. “Firstly a people person. Not only that, you have to be able to bounce back. This job involves talking to people and not every conversation is going to result in a sale. You have to accept that some people are just simply kicking tyres. However, if they are treated in a courteous, friendly manner then hopefully they will remember you for that. “This job involves learning how to deal with rejection. However, I’m a firm believer in the power of positivity. In this business prospective buyer’s walk in and walk out all the time, you just have to realise it’s nothing personal,” Tabatha explained, adding that a successful sale was the most enjoyable aspect to her job. “Undoubtedly the smiles on people’s faces when they come in to pick up their new vehicle. Knowing that you have helped people achieve their dreams makes it all worthwhile,” Tabatha concluded. Already Fiat Chrysler Australia 2017 National Sales Consultant of the Year, it appears that Tabatha’s driving ambition is paying off. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 25 MAY 2018 || 5
SATURDAY 26TH MAY 2018 Come on down to your local branch for Deere Demo Day! Hutcheon and Pearce will have discounts, deals and demos on Mowers, Gators and 1000-5000 series (23 to 125hp) Tractors. Bring yourself, bring your family, meet the local team, demo a machine and get some great deals. Join us for a BBQ, fun for the kids and maybe win a lucky door prize.
Contact your local Hutcheon and Pearce for more details.
LOAD UP! On the $20,000 Instant Tax Rebate
Don’t miss the opportunity to have a 100% tax write off for Small Business with purchases under $20,000. *Terms & Conditions apply. See in store for details.
Whatever the job. Get it done. 57 Moorong Street Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Phone: (02) 6933 7900 www.hutcheonandpearce.com.au
From our range of John Deere zero-turn and ride-on mowers through our compact tractor range to the largest farming machinery in agriculture today, Hutcheon & Pearce have you covered. Whether it’s sales, service or parts, our customers are our focus. So come and see the difference we can make to your work, whatever it is.
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Tumut Toyota 2014 Ford Ranger XLT 3.2 (4x4) Dual Cab Utility 3.2 Litre Diesel Engine, 6 speed Automatic, Steel Bullbar, Light Bar, Sidesteps, Tow Bar, Soft Tonneau Cover, Ute Liner Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 3200 cc Colour Blue Transmission Automatic Body Type Dual Cab Utility Kilometres 71,875 VIN MNAUMFF50EW299307 Stock Number N000722
2007 Toyota Landcruiser Prado 2007, Toyota, Prado, GXL, wagon, 3.0 Litre turbo diesel, automatic, towbar, bullbar, silver, CC40BU.
$39,990
2009 Toyota Rav4
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 3000 cc Colour Silver Ash Transmission Automatic Body Type Wagon Kilometres 336,739 VIN JTEBZ29J500162045 Stock Number N000695
3.0 Litre turbo diesel, manual, glacier white, towbar, one local owner, 115,436 kms, YCF57K.
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 2400 cc Colour Silver Pearl Transmission Manual Body Type Wagon Kilometres 144,870 VIN JTMBD33V405235851 Stock Number N000688
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 3000 cc Colour Glacier White Transmission Manual Body Type Wagon Kilometres 115,436 VIN JTEBH3FJ50K149314 Stock Number N000709
2014 Toyota Yaris Hatchback 2014 Toyota Yaris, SX, 5 door hatch, 1.5 litre petrol, manual, alloy wheels, one owner, blue, CSG46Z. Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 1500 cc Colour Tidal Blue Transmission Manual Body Type Hatchback Kilometres 39,969 VIN JTDKT3D360D599341 Stock Number N000728
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2014 Toyota Landcruiser Prado GXL Wagon
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2013 Nissan Juke Ti-s (AWD) Hatch Hatch, 1.6 Litre petrol, automatic, red, 24,940 kms, CSC44W.
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Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 1600 cc Colour Red TransmissionContinuous variable Body Type Wagon Kilometres 24,940 VIN SJNFANF15A6443924 Stock Number N000698
2013 Nissan Pulsar St Hatchback
2008, Toyota, Avensis, Verso, GLX, wagon, 7 seater, 2.4 Litre petrol, automatic, black, CL17HG.
2013, Nissan Pulsar, ST, hatchback, automatic, 1.8 litre petrol, silver, DTD45J.
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 2400cc Colour Ebony Transmission Automatic Body Type Wagon Kilometres 168,945 VIN JTEGD23B400074058 Stock Number N000699
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BEING SEEN IS || BY ALAN REID The main thing to remember when on a motorbike is you’re invisible and everyone is out to kill you – sometimes, even yourself. Motorcyclists are lucky in a way. There aren’t any of the visual obstructions such as pillars or distractions associated with four wheeled vehicles such as radios, telephones and interactive screens, windscreen wipers and window controls just to name a few. In contrast a biker is afforded 360-degrees unrestricted vision, but to be safe on a motorbike it requires total concentration and awareness of everything in the immediate vicinity and the next 100 metres down the road and in any side road. In traffic, a rider needs to give full attention to at least the three vehicles in front and at least two behind. The same philosophy applies at intersections and roundabouts. Just because the indicator is on doesn’t mean that’s the drivers intention. Look at the driver, their observations will usually tell you what is about to happen. Having said that, you can’t always count on the driver’s reaction. Some years ago I was following a ute along a carriageway in Canberra. We were both moving at a comfortable speed with a three second gap between. As we approached a roundabout I went down a couple of gears and checked for an escape route if anything happened. Suddenly the
LIFE
ute braked, even though he was well clear of the car in front. I snapped a gear and took the escape route between vehicles into the roundabout. The driver’s head never moved, and all I can put the sudden braking down to was he looked at something on his dash and got a shock to see the vehicle ahead of him when he looked up, even though it was quite some distance in front of him. The lesson – always look for an escape route. Riding is a constant surveillance, whether in town or on the open road and taking nothing for granted. Motorists frequently make decisions on the spur of the moment and act on them without consideration of those around them, whether they be other vehicles or a motorbike, and on occasions, a cyclist. Motorists seldom do head checks. On the open road riders need to constantly analyse the road surface and sweep their eyes from side to side and above for birds, falling twigs and ‘roos, while watching the direction of the wind to avoid something being blown into the path of the bike. Motorcycles don’t have airbags to cushion the impact, and usually when a bike is hit it goes down and the rider is scraped along the bitumen, dirt, concrete or gravel. It’s a constant source of amazement how many bikers ride around town dressed in shorts and a T-shirt wearing runners – and even thongs.
TBI
It is good to remember that the steel or plastic fitted to a car is stronger than bone and the road surface is more durable than skin. And if you really value your skin – wear bright colours and fluro vests. Only people in the defence forces should be dressed in camouflage gear. And then not on a motorbike, unless you have a death wish. It’s amazing how many bikers wear camouflage jeans and jackets these days. Why? Even the 1%ers wear a patch so they can be seen by everyone. Black gear was considered necessary in the past to hide the dirt and grime that came off the road. Nowadays, because of improvements in cars, there aren’t the oil slicks down the middle of every road and the grime from tyres which motivated bikers to hide the stains by wearing black. Now, black gear mostly hides the remnants of the coffee and meat pie consumed at lunch. Even the manufacturers have recognised the change, and are producing clothing and helmets in bright colours, some with reflective piping. So get out there, be seen, use all your lane and enjoy the ride. Remember – bikers have two wheels, one engine and zero limits. Ride safe and enjoy.
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THE JOY OF TORQUE
THE BEST ROAD TRIP
MOVIES || BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
Comedy, Horror, Drama, Coming-of-age, Family, Documentary, Science Fiction, Tragedy, Animation. Whatever your favourite style or genre, there’s a road trip movie for you. Since 1934, when Claudette Colbert and Clarke Gable teamed up in It Happened One Night, Hollywood has made hundreds of films about, or facilitated by, the good old road trip, although some experts say the genre was truly defined by the late 1960’s classic Easy Rider. And it’s not just Hollywood. Audiences worldwide love them. Think of Australia’s proud history of road trip movies such as Mad Max – Fury Road, Priscilla, Queen of The Desert, Last Cab to Darwin, Wolf Creek, True Love and Chaos and many more. I think it’s because the enclosed space and intimacy of cars is the ideal environment for movie characters to develop and reveal themselves. Where else could complete opposites become lovers, house wives decide to drive off a cliff or a greedy, broke salesman realise his autistic brother is much more than an impediment to family wealth. A road trip movie is a fantastic opportunity to showcase breathless scenery and landscapes. Some of the most famous cinematic sound tracks and sound designs also accompany road movies. Another advantage is, it doesn’t cost much to shoot scenes inside a car. In an age where it seems Hollywood studios are in competition to see how quickly they can blow something up, a good road trip movie still requires a brilliantly written script with meaningful dialogue and compelling performance from actors. There are plenty with explosions too, if that’s your thing! Here are some of my favourites. I’ve tried to list ones that are reasonably popular, but there are many other less well known classics I’ve left out.
10 || FRIDAY 25 MAY 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
BONNIE AND CLYDE
Along with Easy Rider many would claim this movie equally defined the road trip movie genre.
THELMA AND LOUISE
27 years after its release, my wife and I still love this film. I suspect her interest might have something to do with an actor named Brad Pitt making his big screen debut. But I still shed a tear during the famous end scene. There’s nothing more tragic than watching a 1966 Ford Thunderbird being driven off a cliff.
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION
Watching this movie is a bit like gazing into a mirror. Because on our family road trips we had to fit two adults, five children and a dog into our Pajero. As a result, suitcases needed to be stacked vertically on the roof rack with sleeping bags piled on top of those making our trusty Pajero twice as high as it is wide. But once the family mastered the art of leaning into corners in unison, it wasn’t such a bad driving experience. But wherever we arrived, it was often greeted with: “Look, the Grisewalds are here.”
THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES
In 1952, medical student Earnest Guevara and a friend take a road trip through South America on a Norton International. The trip ignites a spiritual awakening for the young man who would become famous as the Marxist revolutionary ‘Che’ Guevara. According to the director, the original Norton was far more reliable than the modern Suzuki stunt bikes used on the film.
THE BLUES BROTHERS
Is this movie too popular to be called a cult classic? 103 cars wrecked in one film. A record it held until the 1999 sequel smashed 104.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
What a cast! Steve Kinnear, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin, Steve Carell and best of all, a canary yellow 1978 Kombi van.
DUEL
Check out the debut film (strictly speaking it was a tele movie) from the world’s most famous director. Shot in less than two weeks on a tiny budget and few cast members, it’s a masterpiece that delivers the same menace, suspense, tension as his later classic Jaws. It launched a career which had Steven Spielberg accumulate a personal fortune estimated at more than $3 billion.
SIDEWAYS
A dark comedy about two mismatched mates, Jack and Miles, who go on a weekend wine tasting road trip before Jack gets married. Suffice to say it all goes very sideways.
PAPER MOON
Set in the depression, a conman agrees to deliver a nine-year-old orphan to a relative. A friendship develops while they’re on the road and she starts helping him with his scams. Starring real life father and daughter Ryan and Tatum O’Neill, it’s so refreshing to watch a film that proves a movie can be entertaining and engrossing without relying on explosions and special effects. As I think about all the books, musicals, TV shows and songs celebrating the road trip, I wonder what it’s going to be like in the future. Am I the only person who isn’t particularly thrilled at the prospect of travelling in driverless cars? Perhaps Star Trek, or Lost in Space offer a glimpse into the future of family road trips. I’ll leave that thought to the next edition of The Joy of Torque.
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*Finance to approved consumer applicants on a secured fixed rate loan product. Finance is under a consumer fixed rate loan with a maximum 48 month term. 10% deposit required. †4.99% P.A. Comparison Rate is based on a 5 year secured consumer fixed rate loan of $30,000. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Credit criteria, fees, charges and terms and conditions apply. Standard Lending criteria applies. Terms and conditions available on request. Subject to suitability. Harley-Davidson Finance is a registered brand name of Harley-Davidson Financial Services International, Inc. and is operated under sub-licence by St.George Bank – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit license 233714. Offer available 3 April 2018 and expires on 31 May 2018. Applications must be submitted and approved by 31 May 2018 and vehicles must be delivered by 15th June 2018. Offer available on selected Street, Sportster® and Softail® model HarleyDavidson® Motorcycles. Offer excludes Touring, CVO’s™, Trike and Anniversary models. While stocks last. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. © H-D 2018. Harley, Harley-Davidson and the Bar & Shield logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC.
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PATH TO PURCHASE
A DEALERSHIP PERSPECTIVE || BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
With so many fantastic makes, models, features and technology available, buying a new car is one of the most exciting purchases we will make in our lives. But there’s one part of the journey which gives many people a jolt of nervousness and feeling of trepidation – visits to the dealership. For decades, car dealers and sales people have struggled to combat negative perceptions. But is this reputation still deserved? Times have changed. Dealerships today are immaculately clean and well appointed with purpose designed and built facilities manned by highly trained staff wearing smart suits and loaded with knowledge about the products they sell. Gone are the days of waiting in a dingy reception area sitting on a threadbare lounge sipping instant coffee and long-life milk from a polystyrene cup. Earlier this week, I met sales consultant Sam Garner at Wagga Motors in an attempt to understand how they view their role during the customer’s path to purchase, and to hear what advice they might have to make a dealership visit as constructive and productive as possible. Who better to talk to than someone who is at the coal face on a daily basis? I started by asking Sam to talk me through a typical dealership experience. “We’ll greet people when they walk in and ask if they’d like any help or whether they’d like some time to explore the cars first,” Sam said. “At first many people are a bit standoffish. Some work themselves into a bit of a state before they come in so my first goal is to earn their trust and respect. The best way to do that is to get an understanding of their individual situation and what functions they expect their new car to fill. So I’ll ask questions with that in mind,” she explained. Sam likes to start the customer conversation by asking what they don’t like about their old car; what they do like and what features and specifications they have in mind. “The more information a customer shares, the better advice I can give. I try to offer suggestions and advice from a perspective the purchaser may not have considered. They might be about things like the advantages of certain colours, the type of paint, or fundamental issues such as diesel or petrol. We know our products inside out. We drive the cars, we get feedback from customers, the service centre and are constantly trained and updated on new features and technologies. A customer will ask themselves ‘Is this the right
car for me?’ My role is to help them answer that question accurately and definitively.” Another great advantage of engaging in this conversation with a salesperson is it helps the purchaser confirm they have the right makes and models on their short list. It might rule some models out or put some previously discarded options back in. Either way, that’s a good thing. Another topic I’m keen to talk to Sam about is whether women come in solo or do they bring a male companion. “Both. But either way, it’s not unusual for women to say to me in an apologetic tone ‘I’m not an expert, I’m not really sure what I need’. My response is, if you know what function the car needs to fulfill, and you have a realistic budget, that’s all the expertise you need. But absolutely bring someone along if it makes you feel more comfortable. It’s always nice to have someone to share your thoughts with. “Also, I’d make the point that if a female customer is more comfortable speaking with another woman, just ask. No one will be offended. Good dealerships have women on staff who are just as knowledgeable and expert as men. “Some people say women are better listeners,” she adds with a laugh. So, after discussions, fact checking and probably a few days thinking about it, let’s assume the customer is ready for the next step, the test drive. “Before you book a test drive, consider what you want to get out of it,” Sam advised. “For instance, if you are going to be driving on an unsealed road, then your test drive should include driving on an unsealed road. If you’re going to have a couple of kids in the back, bring them along for the ride. If you let us know in advance, we’ll try and make your test drive experience as relevant to your personal driving situation as possible. You don’t need to map out a course exactly. We can do that. “One of our representatives will usually drive first. It’s the best way for them to explain and demonstrate key features of the car. Then it’s the customer’s turn. Don’t feel uncomfortable if the salesperson doesn’t talk so much during this stage. They’re not being rude, they just want to let you concentrate and immerse yourself in the driving experience as much as possible,” Sam explained. “After the test drive, a question I like to ask is ‘Do you love it enough to take it home and make it a part of your family?’ Because that’s what you will be doing”.
Sam also had other, more general advice. “If there is another owner or party who will be driving, or having a say in the final decision, bring them along. Men in particular tend to come in for a chat and then say; ‘Now I need to go and discuss it with my wife’. Why not let her hear it first hand? “Although unexpected drop in visits are always welcome, you will get more out of it if you make an appointment. Give us a quick brief about what you are looking for and we’ll do some homework in advance. “I’d also recommend having an accurate idea of your budget and how you plan to finance it. Not many people have tens of thousands of dollars sitting in a savings account ready to spend on a car. Dealerships can offer some competitive financial packages. There will be no pressure at all, but it makes sense to consider all options. After all, there’s been quite a bit of press lately speculating on whether banks always have the best interests of their customers at heart,” Sam said. Which brings me to the final topic I’d like to get Sam’s perspective on, the drive away price. I suggest that many people aren’t sure whether they are expected to haggle or negotiate the final price. “The fact is car prices are set by the brands - the manufacturers,” Sam said simply. “So although the haggle is still widely regarded as part of the process the reality is we don’t have much wiggle room. I would stress, however, that a customer should understand the warranties and things like capped price servicing from whoever they choose to buy from,” she said. Talking to Sam it became evident she really enjoys her job and was quick to reveal what she likes most. “Personally, there’s nothing more satisfying than putting a customer in a car that you know is going to keep them happy for a long time. That’s good from a business perspective too. We want customers coming back to buy their next new car from us as well. “We don’t expect everyone who walks into our showroom to drive out in a new car. A good dealership understands it’s a journey and there are many stops along the way. We are here to facilitate that journey however we can. Because, whether visitors buy a car from us or not, we want them to tell their friends and family they had a positive and informative experience at Wagga Motors,” Sam concluded. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 25 MAY 2018 || 15
Holden Colorado LSX available from Wagga Motors. Test drive today.