The King of Staten Island: Real Strategies to Win Against Deceptive Pricing, Stairsteps & Amazon | Marcello Sciarrino, Co-Owner of Island Auto Group
About this episode
Marcello Sciarrino, co-owner of Island Auto Group, shares insights on navigating the challenges of the automotive industry, particularly around deceptive pricing and the impact of brokers. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and community engagement in a market often marred by dishonesty. Sciarrino discusses his journey from a car salesman to a dealership owner, highlighting the significance of employee culture and service retention. The conversation also touches on the future of stair-step programs and the evolving landscape of car sales, including the influence of companies like Carvana and Amazon.
Jeep Cherokee
"...t, you know, every customer will take a red grand Cherokee and pay 500 a month. And I'm like, well, you know..."
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of SUV, which means it's a bigger car that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. It's popular because it can be used for both everyday driving and outdoor activities.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that has been a staple in the Jeep lineup since its introduction in 1974. Known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design, it appeals to both adventure seekers and families looking for a versatile vehicle.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...ht that, you know, every customer will take a red grand Cherokee and pay 500 a month. And I'm like, well, you know..."
EVs
"...we're not building EVs. We're going to build every car hybrid. And now all of a sudden they look like geniuses..."
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are becoming more common because they can be better for the environment.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity rather than traditional gasoline or diesel engines. They have become increasingly popular due to environmental concerns and advancements in battery technology.
hybrid
"...We're going to build every car hybrid. And now all of a sudden they look like geniuses..."
A hybrid car uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to drive. This helps save fuel and reduces pollution compared to regular cars that only use gas.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, allowing for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to conventional vehicles. They can operate on either the engine, the electric motor, or both.
Stellantis
"...it's the obvious ones, right? Stellantis. We own two Stellantis stores."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars. It was created when two companies, Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, joined together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It owns several well-known automotive brands, including Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Peugeot, and Citroën.
Nissan
"I mean, Nissan, of course, is very challenging. We have a Subaru store."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many types of vehicles, including electric cars.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars like the Nissan Leaf.
Subaru
"I think Subaru is really smart. I think they've done a great job."
Subaru is a car brand from Japan that is famous for making cars that can drive well in tough weather, like snow and rain.
Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and unique boxer engines, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and those in regions with harsh weather.
Kia
"We have a Kia store. Kia has done a great job."
Kia is a car company from South Korea that makes affordable and stylish cars, often with good warranties.
Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer that has gained popularity for its stylish, affordable vehicles and strong warranty offerings.
GM
"And even GM, we're really happy with GM."
GM stands for General Motors, a big car company in the U.S. that makes many different types of cars under different brand names.
General Motors (GM) is an American multinational corporation that produces vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
stair step
"They don't have a stair step. So I think manufacturers lean on it as they..."
A stair step is a way for car companies to encourage dealerships to sell more cars by giving them bonuses when they reach certain sales goals. It's like a reward system for selling more cars.
A stair step is a sales incentive program used by manufacturers to encourage dealers to sell more vehicles by offering bonuses based on sales targets. This can lead to short-term sales boosts but may not be sustainable long-term.
dealer profitability
"But you don't need your dealers just to sell more cars. You need your dealers to make money because if they make money, they're reinvesting in the brand."
Dealer profitability means how much money car dealerships make after selling cars. It's important for them to make money so they can keep their business running and continue selling cars.
Dealer profitability refers to the financial success of car dealerships. It's important for dealers to not only sell cars but also to make a profit, as this allows them to reinvest in their business and maintain a strong relationship with the manufacturer.
Mercedes
"...or Mercedes, like, you can't buy a Mercedes..."
Mercedes is a luxury car brand that makes high-end vehicles, often associated with comfort and performance.
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles and advanced engineering.
electronic MPI
"We do an electronic MPI where you can see what your car needs. There's no gray area to it anymore."
Electronic MPI is a system that checks your car's parts and tells you what needs fixing. It helps you understand if something is wrong without any confusion.
Electronic MPI stands for Electronic Multi-Point Inspection, a diagnostic tool used to assess the condition of various components of a vehicle. It provides a clear report on what maintenance or repairs are needed, eliminating guesswork.
brakes
"My wife would call me up and say, oh, I need brakes. I'd be like, oh, you don't need brakes, don't do it."
Brakes are the parts of your car that help it stop. If they are worn out, it can be dangerous to drive, so they need to be checked and replaced when necessary.
Brakes are a crucial safety component of a vehicle, allowing it to slow down or stop effectively. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of brake components are essential for safe driving.
lifetime warranty
"...we give a lifetime warranty on the engine. Every single car. Wait, really? How do you do that?"
A lifetime warranty means that if something goes wrong with the engine of your car, the company will fix it for you for as long as you own the car. It's a way to ensure you won't have to pay for engine repairs later on.
A lifetime warranty typically covers repairs or replacements for a product for the duration of the owner's life. In the automotive context, it often refers to coverage on specific components, such as the engine, which can provide peace of mind for car buyers.
MSRP
"but a lot of it has to do, we advertise this price, but you got to put 2000 down."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests dealers sell the car for. Knowing this helps you understand if you're getting a good deal.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends that the dealer sell the vehicle for. It's important for consumers to understand this price as it can be a starting point for negotiations.
Dealer fees
"The price you see is the price you pay. There are no fees, zero, nothing."
Dealer fees are extra charges that car dealerships might add when you buy a car. It's important to ask about these fees so you know the total cost.
Dealer fees are additional costs that a dealership may charge on top of the vehicle price. These can include documentation fees, preparation fees, and other charges that are not included in the advertised price.
extended warranty
"...you must buy a warranty or you have to have a low jack in your car. I own auto group, we don't do it. There's no fees ever, period end of story."
An extended warranty is like extra insurance for your car that helps pay for repairs after the regular warranty runs out. It can save you money if something goes wrong, but you need to know what it covers.
An extended warranty is a service contract that provides additional coverage for vehicle repairs beyond the manufacturer's warranty period. It can help cover unexpected repair costs, but it's important to understand what is included and excluded in the coverage.
LoJack
"...or you have to have a low jack in your car. I own auto group, we don't do it. There's no fees ever, period end of story."
LoJack is a system that helps find your car if it's stolen. It sends out a signal that police can use to track it down and get it back to you.
LoJack is a vehicle recovery system that helps locate stolen vehicles using a radio frequency transmitter hidden in the car. When a vehicle is reported stolen, law enforcement can track the signal to recover the vehicle more quickly.
out-the-door price
"...What's the out-the-door price? My rep's like, well, it's that plus sales tax..."
The out-the-door price is the total amount you pay when buying a car. It includes the car price, taxes, and any extra fees, so you know exactly what you'll spend.
The out-the-door price (OTD) is the total cost a consumer pays for a vehicle, including the vehicle price, taxes, registration fees, and any additional dealer fees. It provides a clear picture of the final amount needed to purchase the vehicle.
Carvana
"Carvana wins. Carvana's pricing is more than everyone else's, just so the dealers know."
Carvana is a company that helps people buy and sell cars over the internet. You can sell your car to them without having to go to a dealership, making it easier and more straightforward.
Carvana is an online platform that allows users to buy and sell cars without the traditional dealership experience. They are known for their transparent pricing model and the convenience of selling cars online.
Honda Accord
"...quipped. You go online, you look for a 2020 Honda Accord and you start with the least expensive one."
The Honda Accord is a family car that's known for being dependable and good on gas. It's spacious inside, which makes it comfortable for long drives or carrying passengers.
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that has been in production since 1976, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. It often ranks highly in safety and customer satisfaction, making it a popular choice for families and commuters alike.
Hyundai
"...they've got the Hyundai partnership. They've got that same model, right?"
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes many different types of vehicles, like cars and SUVs. They are known for being affordable and reliable.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. They have gained a reputation for offering good value and reliability in their cars.
F&I process
"...you don't own the F&I process."
The F&I process is what happens at a car dealership when you talk about how to pay for the car and any extra services like insurance or warranties. It's an important step in buying a car.
The F&I process refers to the Finance and Insurance process at a dealership, where customers are offered financing options and additional products like warranties and insurance. It's a critical part of the car buying experience.
F&I experience
"I think you have to make the dealer a true partner and by taking away that F&I experience in the trade, it's the whole true car model, right?"
F&I means Finance and Insurance. It's the part of buying a car where you talk about loans and insurance options, which can change how much you pay for the car.
F&I stands for Finance and Insurance, which refers to the process of arranging financing and selling insurance products to car buyers at dealerships. This experience is crucial as it can significantly affect the overall cost and financing options available to the buyer.
TrueCar model
"it's the whole true car model, right? Why did true car fail?"
The TrueCar model is a way of buying cars that tries to show clear prices so you know what to expect. It didn't work out as well as planned because not all dealers liked it and some buyers were unsure about it.
The TrueCar model refers to a pricing transparency platform that aimed to simplify the car buying process by providing upfront pricing information. It sought to eliminate the traditional negotiation process, but faced challenges in gaining dealer acceptance and consumer trust.
Mitsubishi
"...it used to be every new dealer bought a Mitsubishi store, you know, just to get a shingle. I think Nissan's become almost a new Mitsubishi with that."
Mitsubishi is a car company from Japan that makes different types of vehicles, often seen as budget-friendly options.
Mitsubishi is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. The brand has a history of being associated with affordable and practical vehicles.
F&I
"Well, it's interesting given my F&I background, I'm fascinated by that lifetime engine piece that you have there."
F&I means Finance and Insurance. It's the part of a car dealership that helps customers with loans and insurance when buying a car.
F&I stands for Finance and Insurance, a department in car dealerships that handles financing options and insurance products for buyers. This area is crucial for dealerships as it can significantly impact their profitability.
comprehensive warranty
"Yeah, it's a little comprehensive warranty."
A comprehensive warranty is a type of car warranty that covers many repairs and services. It helps protect you from high repair bills if something goes wrong with your car.
A comprehensive warranty covers a wide range of repairs and services for a vehicle, often including major components like the engine and transmission. This type of warranty can provide peace of mind for car owners by protecting against unexpected repair costs.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.