1998 Jaguar XJ8

(this is a sample listing - car not avail)

1998 Jaguar XJ8: You'll feel like a million bucks arriving at your business meeting in this beautiful 1998 Jaguar XJ8.  Setting the standard for high value imports, Jaguar has the leather, the luxury and the looks you need to portray that "dress for success" image you've been looking for.

~~ Asking just $7,500.

Features include: power everything, sunroof, burlwood trim, cruise control, fully electric reclining seats (that lay ALL the way back!), automatic & thermostat controlled air conditioning and, of course, leather seating in a warm light-saddle beige to compliment the rich dark cherry exterior.

~~ Low miles for age (110k miles)
~~ NEW transmission
~~ NEW brakes
~~ Recent tune-up and inspection

PROS: This car has had just two owners and both treated the car like their only child.  It appears to have been serviced regularly (we have most recent service records), and it has no dents or obvious scratches.  We rate it a....

~~ 9.5 out of 10

CONS:  Tires are not new, but have about 1/2 wear left on them.

See this car by appointment - 407-443-0348

About Us: Who IS "Find Orlando Cars?"

"Find Orlando Cars" is a division of The Connections Groups... Central Florida's largest independent business networking and social organization.

Founded by me - Sue Copening, Connections Groups started with 35 business associates who enjoyed getting together socially and sharing business news and leads. It has grown to over 3000 professionals with profiles on our "networking" site... and over 20,000 who get our weekly email newsletter.

Connections Groups allows me to "market" a variety of things. Professionally I have always worked in Sales, Marketing or Business Management. My background and experience includes:

~~ 5 years Restaurant management (450 seat rest)
~~ 5 years Retail management
~~ 8 years Public Speaking & Sales
~~ About 2 years Automotive & Motorcycle sales

My experience with auto sales was with Sonny King Orange Buick... back when Sonny III was still around. If you've been in Orlando a while, you know that Sonny King had one of the best, if not THE best, reputations in the industry. They had long-term customers who would only buy cars from them. On the day I interviewed with them, I chatted with a couple who had been buying cars from them for longer than I'd been alive and my first sale, within an hour of hitting the floor, was to a young man who had driven all the way from Cocoa Beach, because of the reputation of the dealership; his family being long time customers.

I did pretty well, performance wise, at Orange Buick. I was the only female on the sales floor, some of my fellow sales people had been at the dealership over 10, 15 years, but I managed to rank, volume wise, in the top half of the pack almost always, and a couple times, in the top 3. I came in 2nd in the "Buick Value Days" competition for sales (which had a combination of benchmarks you had to hit). It's hard to know how much of this was me, and how much was the excellent reputation Orange had built... BUT, when you put the customer first, then it makes every experience a pleasure for both the client, and the salesperson.

I also worked with American Road Group... owners of the Orlando based Harley Davidson dealerships (ARG is the largest volume Harley Dealership in the world). With Harley I sold motorcycles initially on the sales floor (I ride), but then moved into their internet sales department and saw how a well run internet department can enhance the process for BOTH the client and the dealership. In internet sales I was able to help a client narrow down a bike over the phone... I'd email or text them photos... I'd educate them as to the process, sometimes do a credit pre-qualification and, so, when they came into the dealership... they felt COMFORTABLE, there was no anxiety and they could simply focus on the joy of picking out the right ride.

~~ SO, that's my background, and why I launched "Find Orlando Cars!"

Of all the kinds of sales and marketing I've experienced, there is nothing better than helping someone with a big-ticket purchase, like a car or motorcycle. While often the purchase is something they need, it is also something they WANT... and when someone finds a car or ride they are passionate about, you get a great sense of satisfaction that you were the one that helped them. 

Here is a little bit about what "Find Orlando Cars" is all about:

BUYERS:  For you, we are like a free "concierge service." We are going to act on your behalf, and we have already "cherry picked" a variety of cars from local dealers and private sellers for you to consider. Our service is FREE for you, because we get paid a flat fee by the seller for simply marketing their car. This is good ... because you know that we have no incentive to "push" any particular car on you. You'll get the same, high quality service from us whether you are shopping for a $2000 "beater," that's just solid transportation, or a flashy $30K status symbol. We ONLY work with Dealers that we have "vetted" - meaning that we have looked for positive customer reviews, references, and met with them personally to feel comfortable about their policies and customer service philosophies. You are never under any obligation to buy a car we have shown you, or to work with anyone we have referred you to. You are completely in control... we just make it EASIER and give you more options. Think of us a simply a free service that does your "homework" for you!

SELLERS:  If we accept you as one of our sellers (see below), then for you it's simple... we'll be sending you more potential customers you wouldn't have had otherwise. We're like having your own "internet department" - but one you don't have to invest money in setting up, and one that you pay only based on performance. We use the latest in CRM (customer relationship management) technology that lets us track business by client, by dealership or seller... and by car. We provide additional avenues of marketing, and will help you increase your referrals, and your online presence. See "Dealers" or "Private Sellers for more info.

Have Questions?

Contact us!

407-443-0348

Dealers! ... Want to Sell MORE Cars?

It's GRAVY!

We know that many small dealers are struggling in this economy to keep up with larger dealerships... dealerships that have sophisticated internet sales departments, fancy showrooms and sales incentives.

That's where WE come in!

We are simply a MARKETING company that helps you sell more cars. We charge a small, flat fee, for each car sold to a buyer we send you. The marketing is FREE.. you just pay for RESULTS.  Plus... YOU are in charge of the sale... but it's easier as we deliver a "warm," and informed, buyer.... by appointment!

You already have your own marketing avenues... and we have ours. In addition to our own website, we'll use CraigsList, other online classifieds, email newsletters and social media (such as Facebook and ConnectionsGroups).

We'll take the phone calls for the cars we market... just like having your own "internet department." We'll "qualify" your potential buyer, determine their needs & budget, as well as getting them settled on a particular car, or cars.

When our buyers show up they will know about the car, will already have an solid expectation of what they will need to pay, and, if you do financing... we can make sure they already have your credit application filled out when they arrive (as well as know what documentation they need to bring with them).

~~ Services we provide will vary, but may include:

1) Photos and internet advertising. We'll come to your business, take photos and descriptions of each car, and design/post the internet ads.

2) We'll market your cars through sources you don't have, or don't have time to fool with. This includes our own site, Craigslist, other online classifieds, email newsletters, and social media such as Facebook and ConnectionsGroups.

3) If you finance cars yourself, you can provide us with the applications and we'll insure your buyer shows up prepared to move forward if they find a car they like.  If they feel they have "iffy" credit, we'll let them know to bring pay-stubs, bank statements, proof of residence, etc.

4) We will make an APPOINTMENT with you for your potential buyer. You'll know what they are looking for when they come on the lot (as well as their payment/price range) ... so you can pick an additional car, or cars to show them as well (in advance).  This way the buyer doesn't feel overwhelmed and you can impress them with your level of service, increasing your closing rate.

5) In some cases we might meet the buyer at your lot, show them the car, then turn them over to you if we determine the buyer would be most comfortable that way.

6) If you don't offer financing, we will refer the buyer (in advance) to alternate sources of financing and the buyer will show up educated as to what his/her buying power is.  This will remove that barrier to moving them forward.

7) A WARM buyer! Psychologically, people that shop online for a vehicle are doing so because they have an increased need for "comfort" or convenience. They want to know that they are not going to be wasting valuable time (for instance), they may be analytical with a list of things that are important to them, or they really don't know if they can "trust" the dealership they are going to. Perhaps they don't really have an idea of what they want, and need to have a firmer picture "in their mind" before they take the leap to go onto a lot. Perhaps they don't like dealing with car salespeople, and just need reassurance. Because we ONLY work with dealerships we have "vetted" (see below), our buyers are going to have a heightened sense of comfort. We're going to tell them about your positive reviews, how you deliver great customer service, and what your policies are. They will have the name of someone to ask for - and an appointment... so you can make them feel WELCOME when they come to see you.

8) We will FOLLOW UP with the buyer after their appointment to insure they feel they got great customer service, and that we were both responsive to their needs.  Our goal with that will be...

     a) Positive and favorable REVIEWS for your dealership.  If you don't already have a Yelp or Google listing online, we'll create one for you.  If you do, we'll also ask these customers to go there and post those reviews.  Often people don't know to do that but are happy to help a friendly business in this way!

     b) Increased REFERRALS for both your dealership and "FindOrlandoCars."

     c) A 2nd bite at the apple if it was just that the car was not the "right" one for them.  

Working with "Find Orlando Cars" is going to have long term benefits for you besides just the appointments we send you.  You will surely start seeing more people coming to you as we help you build your online presence through reviews... as well as the referrals from our clients (who will surely tell others what a great experience they had with you).

~~ Our service is FREE to our (your) clients.  

For you, the dealer, we charge a flat, marketing fee for each car you sell to a client we have sent to you. If we send them in on an appointment for the Ford, but they preferred the Chevy you just got in, you still pay us our marketing fee (of course), because we sent you that client.

Our fee is the same no matter the price of the car. We do this because we are not "selling" the car, we are simply marketing the cars and providing a free service to the customers. We want them to know that we do not have any incentive to push one car over another. It's all about helping the customer.

You remain completely in control of the final sales process. However, because you will be getting a "warm and informed" buyer... by appointment... you will find it much easier to move them forward through the process.

FEE: $200 per car (upon sale).

Call to set up a "chat" with us:  407-443-0348

NOTE:  We do not work with all Dealers. We are only looking for the "best of the best." We don't care if you are large or small...  have 5, or 50, cars on your lot.  We don't care if you have a lot (you might be a repair shop that occasionally sells cars that have been left or sold to you). What we care about is ... honesty, customer service and integrity. We want to work with Dealers that have a "long term" view of business. That know that sometimes you have to do what it takes to make a customer happy... because that is what is going to bring your future business and referrals in your door. To that end, we are looking at Dealers that have positive reviews on third party websites from past customers. We will look favorably upon Dealerships that can provide references (do you have other businesses (like repair shops) that regularly send you referrals?  Can you provide us with the phone numbers of at least 10 past customers we can call to see what they think about their experience with you? When we chat, we will want to see your dealer license and proof of insurance (if you are going to want us to drive, or help clients, test drive cars off your premises). That said, if you are a "buy here pay here" lot, we understand the business. We are also realistic and realize that you'll have a higher % of customers who might be unhappy, simply because they couldn't keep up on payments. So, don't worry about them.. just focus on getting us in front of the happy customers.

How We Can Help a Private Seller

If you have a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle, you'd like to sell, we can help!

We know that it's sometimes difficult to sell a car when you work a full time job, or run a business. That's where we come in!

We act as sort of a "Marketing Concierge" service for you... and can generally provide whatever services you think you might need.  We will be helping to market and show the car... but ultimately you will be fully in charge of the actual sale.  Services we provide might include:

1) You may leave the car or motorcycle with us (or some other location) so that we can arrange to show it to potential buyers for you. 

2) We market your car through various sources... our own web site, CraigsList, other online classifieds, Facebook, email newsletters, etc.

3) We will take the phone calls from potential buyers, tell them about the car and arrange for them to see it. Then, you will only be presented with a deal that is "good to go!"

4) While we know you'll have the car clean, inside and out, we will provide some extra "detailing" if needed... such as tire shine, vinyl protectant/shine, air freshener, etc. 

5) If the potential buyer wants a mechanic to look over the car... we will recommend a trusted one that is impartial, and make arrangements for that to happen.

6) We will provide you a standard "As Is - Bill of Sale."

7) We will refer your potential buyers to several sources of financing and help them get pre-approved. This is something that greatly speeds along your sale and broadens your market. We'll have applications ready to email to them, and contacts at local lenders to refer them to.

FEE: $200

$100 upfront (refundable if we don't find you a buyer in 20 days)

$100 upon sale of car

Call us at 407-443-0348 with any questions.  

Note:  Keep in mind that we don't elect to work with all Private Sellers. We will want to see your car, as well as any maintenance records avail, plus proof of ownership and insurance. We may choose not to work with you if you have an unrealistic idea of what your car is worth, or if you don't have the car in good "show" condition. Sometimes we might have to turn down a private seller just because we have too many vehicles we are currently obligated to and don't want to compromise our obligations to existing clients (we hope you'll understand).

How to Contact us

407-443-0348

We're a marketing company for various small dealers and private sellers around the Orlando area, so the cars you may be wanting to see could be at more than one location.  

Please call us and let us know what car you are interested in.  We will re-verify the car has not yet been sold, and make an appointment with the dealer/owner for you to see it.  If you have a "cash in hand" offer, we will even feel them out as to their willingness to come down on price.  Some cars may be marked as "firm" however, as they may already have had a price reduction.

If the car you are looking at has financing available... we can take your credit information over the phone and let you know if you are pre-approved... BEFORE you even go to look at the car. This is optional, just ask.

In some cases a car might be from one of our private sellers.  Often a private seller will ask us to "market" their car because they have a busy work schedule and no time to field phone calls or be available for people to take a look.  In those cases, we will sometimes bring the car to YOU (at your home or office), or perhaps meet you somewhere... this will generally be arranged however is most convenient for you, if possible.

While we generally do not have cars located at this address, 

for credibility purposes, our office is located at:

12940 Downstream Circle

Orlando, FL 32828

Car Values: Be Informed!

Let's be honest... Car Dealers are a business, and they deserve to make a fair profit for the valuable service they provide.

As consumers, we don't begrudge a business a fair profit do we? No, we just want to make sure that it is, indeed, a FAIR profit, and that we are not being taken advantage of.

To that end, it is in your best interest to be INFORMED when you start looking at cars. Also, to know what the car you are currently driving is worth, whether you are trading it, or selling it yourself.

The best place to start to determine your car's value is Kelly Blue Book.

Kelly Blue Book derives it's values from state REGISTRATION records. This is an accurate way to know what people are PAYING for cars out there... in YOUR area. Remember that a car is worth different amounts in different areas of the country. An example...  a convertible is not necessarily a desirable car to have as your main car in Wisconsin... but in Florida will be quite popular. Additionally, you will occasionally find cars up North that don't have air conditioning (generally work vehicles), but that van will be worth almost nothing in Florida as a used vehicle.

Keep in mind that there is a difference between ASKING prices, prices from private sellers, dealers, and SELLING prices.

Craiglist, for example, will give you a good idea of what people are ASKING for cars... however they may drop that number by hundreds, if not thousands, by the time they actually sell it.

PRIVATE SELLERS: It's often thought that you can get a better deal from a private seller and, sometimes, that is true. However it can come with more risk. For example, a private seller may already have bought their next car and the one they are getting rid of is just "taking up space." If they don't owe money on it, they may not care how much they get for it (ask if they have a balance on it). So, you might get an excellent deal from a private seller.

However, there is a bit more risk involved (sometimes) from a private seller. Generally all sales are "as is" and, while the person you are buying the car from may be very honest, they may not know (it may have been a while since they have had their car looked over by a mechanic) that there is an expensive repair about to be required.

It other words... there are both PROS and CONS when it comes to buying from a private seller. Your best bet is to "trust, but verify" and, if you have a mechanic you rely on, have him look it over before buying it. If you are ready to make an offer on the car, ask the owner if they will meet you at your mechanics for the final deal. It can be looked over, and, if you move forward, you can do the paperwork there. If you don't have a mechanic you already work with, we can recommend Vimar Auto, on Forsyth.  The owner, Sami, has been our mechanic for over 12 years and is honest and trustworthy.

DEALERS: There are excellent, and shady, dealers out there. The fact you are on our website tells us you are smart enough to do some research first (as we have). At "Find Orlando Cars" we have gone out of our way to ONLY work with dealers whose reputations we have researched (see below), and you can do the same things we did, or you can save time because we already did that work.

Once you know you will be visiting a reputable dealership, you should inquire as to their policies. Do they have a 30 day limited warranty? What are the terms? Generally a limited warranty will cover only certain things found to be wrong on the car in the first 30 days. However this IS some peace of mind and you are going to discover major defects then. So, is the drive train covered? The engine? How about the computer (if it's a newer car)? Does the warranty cover only parts, or only labor, or both? Is there an extended warranty you can purchase for the car? Depending on the cost (and the company offering them), these can be good or bad (more research on how reputable the warranty company is).

A good dealer knows that their reputation is important. To that end, they don't WANT to sell you a bad car. They really don't. Generally speaking they have obtained the car from a source they really don't know... either a trade-in or the auction. However they have often had the car looked over before putting it on their lot, and even invested some money in it to fix obvious items. If they discovered they bought a "lemon," the dealers I know would take it back to the auction and sell it, even at a loss, rather than risk a bad customer interaction which could result in a scathing internet review. Don't get me wrong though, even a dealer can be taken advantage of by a customer.

Warning: story diversion.  When I worked at Orange Buick we had a local PASTOR come in and trade in a car. After he left in his new Buick we put his trade in in the shop (the sales manager had only looked it over) and the shop realized that there was no way it had as few miles on it as the odometer