Used the Graduate Discount Program?

[kc5f]

Has anyone here used Nissan's SignatureGRADUATE program to get $500 off of their car price? We went to a dealer today with my daughter, a recent college graduate, to see about buying her a Versa. They told us she didn't qualify for the program because her job wasn't in her major field. (She's an English major working for a publishing company. They couldn't give an example of what job she could have to qualify for the discount...)

We pointed out that their brochure and online information don't mention anything about it, but they said that all Nissan dealers would tell us the same thing. If they weren't the only ones within 100 miles with the car she wants, we'd sure be finding out! They do sound like they'll make up the $500 themselves to get the sale, but it just doesn't smell right to me...

(From the online offer details:)

To qualify for the SignatureGRADUATE program, all you have to do is provide proof of:

* Graduation within the next six months, or past two years, from an accredited U.S. two- or four-year university, college, graduate school, or nursing school. Also eligible: students currently enrolled in graduate school. * Present employment, or future employment beginning within 90 days of financing approval. * Sufficient income to cover normal living expenses and car payments. * Auto insurance. * Approved credit.

[versa2nr]

its bs if they told you she wouldnt qualify. Its not like you are applying for financial aid or anything. Go to another dealer.

[KimberKenobi]

that sounds fishy to me as well... since all the other dealerships are far away, maybe just call and ask to speak to their sales manager and ask them about it?

[Martin Roy]

A dealer would do anything to save himself a few hundred bucks... If she gets her boss to write a letter regarding the reason why he hired her (about her studies/diplomas), they have no choice but to allow the rebate.

[Ever Victorious]

This sounds like a tactic to be lazy and not file for it, and try to get you to pay for more $$. I ran into something similar with the rebate + financing on my V. I told the manager to look at Nissan's website and read the info on it. After that, he gave me both. Sad that it had to come to that, one would think the dealers would do anything to help their customers through the sales process.

[sambot]

I tried to get the Canadian version of the rebate, ($300) which had only one qualification, that you are buying the car on a payment plan. SOL if you paid cash. They photocopied my certificate, and I never heard back.

[07Vsdn]

total malarky.

my wife just used it and she got an associates degree.

we went to two dealerships and they were more then happy to honor it. in fact the finance lady said it was really up to nissan credit to approve it.

i would go back and call nissan credit and get them on the phone and have them explain it to the finance person.

outrageous...

[seize]

Total bunk.

I used it with my an unoffical copy of my transcript and an internship — not even a real job. Had the recruiter fax it over to the dealer, and they approved it in a day or two. (I bought my Versa over the Internet.) I have no idea what the letter said, but it somehow fudged over the fact that it's a ten-week internship. I didn't put her up to it before anyone thinks I'm defrauding Nissan; they just said that it was approved.

I got both the $500 dollars and a better rate. My dealer also said that it was up to Nissan Credit.

[kc5f]

Thanks for all the replies of basically what I'd figured. I really can't figure out why they don't want to offer it, since Nissan's paying for it, other than not wanting to deal with the paperwork.

It's not that they're the only dealer within 100 miles, but the only one with the car my daughter wants. The other dealers (six or so) each have zero to two CVT's, and this one has nine that they've just brought in. Plus, they offer a free lifetime powertrain warranty...

Actually, what may happen is that I'll sell my daughter mine at a very good price for her, and finally get the convenience package I've always wanted on a new one for me. The difference in interest on the 4.9% 60-month loan she'd get and the 0.7% 36-month loan I'd get would be about four times the value of the recent graduate discount. (She did qualify for the 0.7% rate, too, but the payments due to the shorter term would have been higher than what she wants.)

[Martin Roy]

This seems like a very good idea ! Not only will she save a lot of money, but you'll get the car you want, and so will she. As for the finance, it might be complicated, since you would be paying for two cars and she would be paying you back, unless you can transfer you remaining payments at the same rate (0,7%).

Also, since the car she would be getting isn't new (bought used from you), insurance might be lower too.

Keep us informed, I'm curious to see how this will turn out.

[kc5f]

Actually, the financing won't be complicated, since mine's paid off. I'd just be paying on my new one at the low rate. And I hadn't thought about the insurance angle. I wonder if they'd look at the 32,000 miles on her car when she buys it or just at the fact that it's less than 11 months old. But it can't be worse than brand new, I suppose, which she's already gotten quotes on. Now we've just got to hope my wife doesn't decide she wants hers too soon!

[kc5f]

An update: I called Nissan and was told by someone in India reading off of a computer screen that the program was dealer-administered, but she didn't seem to understand the concept of "a job in your major field" and so couldn't tell me if the program referred to that.

So, we'd about given up when I got an email reply from the salesperson that they could give my daughter the SignatureGRADUATE discount after all. Along with their lifetime powertrain warranty and the fact that they have the car my daughter wants, it sounds like we'll be going with them.

It doesn't, however, sound like I'll be selling her my car. Something came up that keeps me from affording a new car, so she'll have to buy her own. (Maybe I'll throw in $2000 extra for her down-payment to help ease the pain...)

[kc5f]

And another update: End of July, a desperate salesman, money off the car beyond the $500 rebate and the $500 new graduate discount plus the free lifetime powertrain warranty equals a new Versa tomorrow night for my daughter. (After the problems with the graduate discount I had him send me a copy of the warranty to look over!)

Now I just have to live with the fact that she'll have the convenience package and I won't. But at least I won't be making payments for the next three years just to get iKey and a car with 32,500 less miles on it. She, of course, will be making payments, but with enough down that it won't be too bad.

I guess we'll have to get pictures of them sitting side by side for the gallery!

[Ever Victorious]

Doesn't it feel nice to be jealous of your children? hehehe...

[kc5f]

Yup, and now I'm officially jealous. She got a Magnetic Gray SL Hatchback with CVT, convenience package, splash guards and floor mats. (Plus a lifetime powertrain warranty, all scheduled maintenance paid through 4 years/50,000 miles, and the black pinstriping she wanted.)

They tried again to change the rules on the graduate discount. "That's what the plan says." I asked to see it in writing. Five minutes later he comes back and says, "You were right - that was in last year's offering." Right...

Anyway, she got a very good deal - $100 more than mine, but I didn't get the convenience package, powertrain warranty, paid maintenance or pinstripes! And we sure looked good driving back home on the Interstate in our Versa mini-parade!