Some brain-trust marketing types at a local NJ dealer sent me a mailer the other day. "Chip, you are pre-approved to exchange your current Honda!".

For whatever reason, they're under the crack-induced impression that trading my 2009 RL for a 2010 Civic, CR-V, or Accord EX classifies as an "Upgrade"...

Anyone else get something like this?

- Chip

It may as well have said, "Chip, you are pre-approved to exchange your current Honda for credit [equaling far less than your current Honda is worth] to be put towards the purchase of a lesser vehicle and, in the process, we will take more of your hard-earned money to cover the price difference."

If I receive one of those letters, I think I'll respond with a polite note asking them how a smaller, less-versatile vehicle qualifies as an "upgrade". :act002:

I've gotten that letter referring my wife's CRV. It came from a dealership that I had the oil changed at a couple times. Haven't gotten one asking about my Ridge. The Ridge has never been to that dealership.

Yes, these are an old (somewhat) dirty ploy.

"We need used vehicles and are willing to pay top dollar for yours*"

*=when traded in on an equally high rate loan.

It's just regular car dealership spam. About as useful as publishers clearing house.

+1 for it being spam.

If they get a 5% response rate, it'd be a miracle.

Chip H.

It's Probably THAT Dealership on Rt 3 in NJ Yuck! I received it back

Yes I have received several from both the local Honda and Acura telling me that there is a strong demand for the Ridgeline and they are in need of used ones.....Honda said that my 07 could be worth more today than same time last year....of course the price of a new Ridge has gone up a several thousand more than what I paid in 06 with little or no changes to speak of......

Trash can is where mine end up. I get these all the time

Tell then they can pry the Ridgeline's steering wheel from your cold dead hands before you'll trade it! :act006:

It's Probably THAT Dealership on Rt 3 in NJ Yuck! I received it back

That place looks shady just driving past it.

I've gotten several. I worked out the math last time on what I would end up paying if they took blue book value for my current ridgeline. My payments would have been over $300 more a month!!! What ever happened to honest hard work to make a buck? Why is everybody trying to scam everyone else now?

I've gotten several. I worked out the math last time on what I would end up paying if they took blue book value for my current ridgeline. My payments would have been over $300 more a month!!! What ever happened to honest hard work to make a buck? Why is everybody trying to scam everyone else now?

There are different kinds of scams going on all the time and this one with a local dealership wanting to "buy your vehicle because they are in high demand" is one of the oldest tricks in the book. First of all, if you show up, they know you are thinking about getting rid of your vehicle and get another. Because, well if this was actually true, you went there and they bought your vehicle...guess what...?...chances are you are gonna need another one and...wouldn't you know it...!...they have a lot just chuck-full of brand new shiney vehicles that they are willing to sell you! Coincidence...?...I think not.

As noted above, this is just a ploy to get you down to the dealership, so they can try and sell you a vehicle. Simple as that. I probably get a couple of these things a month. They all end up in the recycle bin...

As a matter of fact......a 2 percent return on any direct mail campaign is considered an excellent return on investment especially considering that the postage is the biggest part of the expense. Maybe.....someone has the itch to spend money on a new car . Someone not real smart that is.
The Ridgeline is the most versatile vehicle on the market !

Someone not real smart that is.

You are correct...they are aimed at the folks who are not smarter than your average bear. You'd be surprised how many of those folks are out there. I remember reading something out there about new car buying and, I don't remember the exact percentage, but something around %35 of people buying new cars pay sticker price. I would call that not real smart...

Sticker price? I haven't seen an MSRP or price on any new car around here for a long, long time. Only the used car lots still put the price on the window. I go online and see what the car configurator says the price is.

Dang man...is the government trying to take over disclosure for automobile pricing in Ohio too? Tennessee has stickers and can't imagine not having them.

Dang man...is the government trying to take over disclosure for automobile pricing in Ohio too? Tennessee has stickers and can't imagine not having them.

If the government were to "take over disclosure for automobile pricing" then putting the price on the vehicle would be required by law.

As for posting MSRP on a new vehicle I don't believe I've ever been to a dealership that didn't do that... in Ohio where I live or in Tennessee where I was born.

I bet a lot of people fall for things like this.

Just look at how many millions are made yearly in the Nigerian 419 scams. You'd think EVERYBODY knows not to trust Prince Derka Derka Bakalaka Muhammed Jihad and his plea for their help in getting $20mil out of his country.

A couple of points to think about - I get the calls too.

Dealers suffered a huge reduction in their used car lot inventories due Cash for Clunkers so they are trying new tactics to get cars in the lot so they can sell them - and make money.

A dealership will never buy your car, accept it as a trade in, or what ever they say it is when they take a car from you - if they are not making money.

A dealership always makes money when they sell a car.

1 of every 8 people who walk into a dealership looking at a car - buy a car - and the dealership makes money. Thats why they can offer incentives just to come in for a test drive in some markets - its all about them making money.

Dealerships do nothing if it doesn't result in them making money - and thats OK - it is the purpose of their business - selling cars is just how they do it.