just finished reading the last issue of Motor Trend (I got behind this month!), and one of the long term test updates was on their CTS Vsport. Looks just like Q's car. Same color. The dude driving it loves the think. 0-60 in 4.5, .98gs? Impressive for a loaded, comfortable luxury car!
I know my VW store fixed up the 2 areas on the Tucson where I had garage issues and put it on their lot. Less than a week later, sucker was gone to a new owner. But it was a nice looking cuv with low miles so figured it wouldn't sit long. Sure, I lost a bit on depreciation but just didn't love it and decided now was the best time to switch out vehicles, why put more miles on it and get less for it. Do I miss it...No, not one bit!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I know my VW store fixed up the 2 areas on the Tucson where I had garage issues and put it on their lot. Less than a week later, sucker was gone to a new owner. But it was a nice looking cuv with low miles so figured it wouldn't sit long. Sure, I lost a bit on depreciation but just didn't love it and decided now was the best time to switch out vehicles, why put more miles on it and get less for it. Do I miss it...No, not one bit!
The Sandman
On the other end of the spectrum, I saw my trade (CLS 550) is still sitting on my dealer's showroom floor when I was up there this morning for a car wash. They are asking $62,990 for the car per the sign on the right front window.
I asked the used car manager why he hasn't sold the CLS 550 yet. His response was that the market is very soft on that car due to 2014's still available as well as the introduction of the 2015 CLS 400 (thousands less than a 550) with the same engine I have in my new E 400.
I know this sounds out of character for me, but I sure hope they sell the car soon and make a decent profit on it. They have always done well with my trades in the past. I believe a dealer is entitled to make a profit - I just hope this is not a loss to them.
" I believe a dealer is entitled to make a profit"
Oh, HORRORS, did you REALLY say that?
Tell them that in the Prices Paid Forums and see what happens!
Profit! (gasp) evil profit!
If you think I am going to expose myself to ridicule and "a hangman's posse" by going over to PRICES PAID..., you have another thing coming!
All kidding aside - I would feel terrible if my dealer lost money on my deal. They already sell me cars at tremendously slim margins. I really do hope they sell my 2014 CLS 550.
" I believe a dealer is entitled to make a profit"
Oh, HORRORS, did you REALLY say that?
Tell them that in the Prices Paid Forums and see what happens!
Profit! (gasp) evil profit!
Too funny. I do agree dealers need to make money, I just want a fair deal and not be their laughing stock. I have been a repeat customer with a local dealer and enjoyed building that rapport. The salesman who I worked with has retired so now I am just another walk in.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
" I believe a dealer is entitled to make a profit"
Oh, HORRORS, did you REALLY say that?
Tell them that in the Prices Paid Forums and see what happens!
Profit! (gasp) evil profit!
Too funny. I do agree dealers need to make money, I just want a fair deal and not be their laughing stock. I have been a repeat customer with a local dealer and enjoyed building that rapport. The salesman who I worked with has retired so now I am just another walk in.
Around here, the dealer owners are multi-millionairs ' the salesman are barely surviving with lots of turnover. The profit goes right past all the sales staff and right into the owners pocket. The margins are only slim because the owners take the lions share leaving scraps for the working men and women.
I have to agree, in part, with your comments, Jay. Sales personnel earn most of their income from bonuses and "spiffs" (mini-bonuses paid daily or weekly), not on straight commission, like they used to.
Here's how it works:
*Straight commission on a sale can be anything from $150 per vehicle to 30%+ on the net profit from the sale. The % profit is usually determined by the number of units sold in a calendar month - 15% on 1-8 units; 20% on 9-18 units; 25% on 19-26 units, and so on. Total commission percentage is retroactive to the first unit sold. The above commission percentage varies from dealer to dealer. Thus, the more units sold in a given month, the higher the commission on each unit.
*Daily and weekly "spiffs". A spiff is a $ amount paid to a salesman for selling a specific used car or one of a list of pre-identified cars (older new car inventory) or selling 3 cars in one day or selling 3,4 or 5 cars on a specific weekend. Also, many dealers pay up to $500+ a month to a salesman who receives perfect scores on surveys. These spiffs can be paid in cash or added to the salesman's bi-weekly check.
*Special bonuses paid for achieving more global sales objectives that can amount to hefty year-end bonuses. Some can be as high as $5000-$10,000 at year end.
So, as you can see, commissions are only a part of a salesman's compensation plan. I had many salesman earning more than I earned in a given year due to bonuses and spiffs when I was a sales manager.
Brought my CPO Escape in to get the windshield fixed. They took care of that and gave me some new wipers, although they were replaced when they CPO's it(September). It has some nice practical features. When you push the max defrost button, it also turns on the rear defrost. Also, if you have the front wipers on and you put it in reverse, the rear wiper turns on.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
That injection the doctor gave me in my lower back sure did the trick. Woke up this morning with no pain or after-effects of the steroids. My blood sugar was quite elevated due to those steroids, but I hope the suffering is over. Was able to drive today with no pain or discomfort.
Avoid back and shoulder pain. Get a Casper mattress. New guys. a third of the price of a Tempurpedic and I like it more. Should you buy one get my code. It's worth $50 off - and a gift card for me.....
Steroids kick up blood sugar. No way around it. They are excellent for what they're needed for mostly major inflammation but the have hideous side effects. Ask the man whose been there.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
;These spiffs can be paid in cash or added to the salesman's bi-weekly check.
*Special bonuses paid for achieving more global sales objectives that can amount to hefty year-end bonuses. Some can be as high as $5000-$10,000 at year end.
So, as you can see, commissions are only a part of a salesman's compensation plan. I had many salesman earning more than I earned in a given year due to bonuses and spiffs when I was a sales manager.
I am so glad to be retired and not have to be like a trained seal trying to get a living wage check every two weeks. Been there, done that!
I wish- that's a bit of a sore subject. I was asked if I was interested in the job and when I said I was they told me that they'd get back with me- and they never did. What aggravates me is the fact that I was contacted in the first place- why do that if you aren't going to follow through? I might just run for his office in four years so I can hire myself...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I might just run for his office in four years so I can hire myself...
LOL. There's an old saying about hell hath no fury like an attorney scorned. Run for his office! Of course, then you'd really be back at work again.
The thing is, we go back over 30 years- he's always supported me and vice-versa. There was absolutely no need for him to extend an offer to me- so why do it?
I apologize for venting about this but it really sticks in my craw...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I might just run for his office in four years so I can hire myself...
LOL. There's an old saying about hell hath no fury like an attorney scorned. Run for his office! Of course, then you'd really be back at work again.
The thing is, we go back over 30 years- he's always supported me and vice-versa. There was absolutely no need for him to extend an offer to me- so why do it?
I apologize for venting about this but it really sticks in my craw...
No apology necessary. Funny how friends sort of show their true colors once it comes to following up on promises they can't keep.
I might just run for his office in four years so I can hire myself...
LOL. There's an old saying about hell hath no fury like an attorney scorned. Run for his office! Of course, then you'd really be back at work again.
The thing is, we go back over 30 years- he's always supported me and vice-versa. There was absolutely no need for him to extend an offer to me- so why do it?
I apologize for venting about this but it really sticks in my craw...
Sometimes things happen, and we simply cannot follow through on what we started. When this happens, we really should reach out and offer an apology and an explanation. But many people today have such busy lives that they simply do not apply the common courtesies. Many people in our overly fast paced world no longer seem to remember that it is courtesy, politeness, and good manners that provide the lube to keep the gears of civilization turning.
To keep this discussion on track, make mine 5w30, synthetic, please.
Huh, I was just having similar thoughts. When I was working last year I was run off my feet, was the go-to person for a lot of things, and the organization was very concerned about replacing me. When I left it was on good terms, lots of gifts and acknowledgements, and I let them know that I would be happy to help out, would give them a hometown discount, etc. Just call.
Since then, crickets. Aside from a couple of lunches with the people who used to work for me, nothing.
While in truth I really wasn't looking to do anything, I find myself a bit put out that they didn't seek some advice on a few things. I just read a few weeks ago about a new initiative they announced that could very well have trade implications down the road. I could have helped them avoid that. But it's too late now.
A little extra income would be nice, but that's not it. I could have advertised myself or affiliated with a consulting group and done that kind of work if that was my objective, and I didn't want to. But I figured my old employer would probably want something and I would have been glad to provide it. Apparently not. Strange.
I might just run for his office in four years so I can hire myself...
LOL. There's an old saying about hell hath no fury like an attorney scorned. Run for his office! Of course, then you'd really be back at work again.
The thing is, we go back over 30 years- he's always supported me and vice-versa. There was absolutely no need for him to extend an offer to me- so why do it?
I apologize for venting about this but it really sticks in my craw...
Sometimes things happen, and we simply cannot follow through on what we started. When this happens, we really should reach out and offer an apology and an explanation. But many people today have such busy lives that they simply do not apply the common courtesies. Many people in our overly fast paced world no longer seem to remember that it is courtesy, politeness, and good manners that provide the lube to keep the gears of civilization turning.
Could I have permission to send your post to my SIL. He doesn't get how people have to network and cooperate to make progress. If two people can benefit then there is a chance for growth, if one person just tries to use the other things don't move forward.
Someone who doesn't have the courtesy to write a reply or give an explanation is thoughtless and is not a decent human being, I hope you or someone does run against him. It may have been 30 years but it wasn't friendship......friendship requires doing something for the other person.
Huh, I was just having similar thoughts. When I was working last year I was run off my feet, was the go-to person for a lot of things, and the organization was very concerned about replacing me. When I left it was on good terms, lots of gifts and acknowledgements, and I let them know that I would be happy to help out, would give them a hometown discount, etc. Just call.
Since then, crickets. Aside from a couple of lunches with the people who used to work for me, nothing.
While in truth I really wasn't looking to do anything, I find myself a bit put out that they didn't seek some advice on a few things. I just read a few weeks ago about a new initiative they announced that could very well have trade implications down the road. I could have helped them avoid that. But it's too late now.
A little extra income would be nice, but that's not it. I could have advertised myself or affiliated with a consulting group and done that kind of work if that was my objective, and I didn't want to. But I figured my old employer would probably want something and I would have been glad to provide it. Apparently not. Strange.
The problem isn't likely to be the organization but some one who may not want you involved. Maybe you were so good, they perceive you as a threat.
The problem isn't likely to be the organization but some one who may not want you involved. Maybe you were so good, they perceive you as a threat.
I don't think that is it. I have very little ego and even less ambition so I was never seen as a threat to the other execs or CEO. If anything, I think it is a combination of them being caught up in the day to day bedlam that goes on there, and the very real arrogance that comes with a boardroom full of newly-minted MBAs. I am also a MBA but I got mine back in the '70s when they actually meant something.
Since then, crickets. Aside from a couple of lunches with the people who used to work for me, nothing. . . . I find myself a bit put out that they didn't seek some advice on a few things.
If you haven't already, you need to look up a Jack Nicholson movie, "About Schmidt." There are many relevant bits to the flick (at least for me), but the scene, early in the film, where all his carefully created and maintained files are sh__canned out back in the trash, is especially relevant to what you posted.
None of us is indespensible, much as we hate to admit it. The company may be much less efficient after the departure, but there's a better than even chance that they either won't notice it, won't admit it, or certainly won't allocate any of it to the people on whose shoulders the current administration rests.
Since then, crickets. Aside from a couple of lunches with the people who used to work for me, nothing. . . . I find myself a bit put out that they didn't seek some advice on a few things.
If you haven't already, you need to look up a Jack Nicholson movie, "About Schmidt." There are many relevant bits to the flick (at least for me), but the scene, early in the film, where all his carefully created and maintained files are sh__canned out back in the trash, is especially relevant to what you posted.
None of us is indespensible, much as we hate to admit it. The company may be much less efficient after the departure, but there's a better than even chance that they either won't notice it, won't admit it, or certainly won't allocate any of it to the people on whose shoulders the current administration rests.
Damn, you beat me to it! I was going to make a comment about the exact same scene in that movie. Overall, I didn't care that much for the movie, but that one scene really, really hit home.
Charles de Gaulle was known for pity quotes. My favorite was something like, "The graveyards are full of irreplaceable men."
When one door closes a new one always opens...but sometimes it is hell in the hallway. Our profession and the people we worked with are all a part of our identity, a big part. It is tough to leave all of that behind, but imo it is best to make a clean break and don't look back. Those feelings of loss are superficial and will not last. Spend time with your family, make new friends, get a hobby, a new profession, help someone....do all those things you didn't have time for and a year from now you will be wondering why in the world you didn't retire 10 years ago.
Damn, you beat me to it! I was going to make a comment about the exact same scene in that movie. Overall, I didn't care that much for the movie, but that one scene really, really hit home.
Me too also; even went to IMDB to look up the name of the movie, only to come back and scroll down and see @cdnpinhead beat us to it.
When one door closes a new one always opens...but sometimes it is hell in the hallway. Our profession and the people we worked with are all a part of our identity, a big part. It is tough to leave all of that behind, but imo it is best to make a clean break and don't look back. Those feelings of loss are superficial and will not last. Spend time with your family, make new friends, get a hobby, a new profession, help someone....do all those things you didn't have time for and a year from now you will be wondering why in the world you didn't retire 10 years ago.
Right on! I loved my job for 16 years, I loved my business for 18 years, and I thought I would never want to quit working. Now, I would never want to go back to working. If I was an employer, I would never hire me, I used to be an excellent worker, but now I would be useless.
I was thinking of applying for some high level job. I'd make up all my qualifications. Then I would come in looking like a bum, and tell them stuff like why would I work for your company and I have no idea what you do? I'd spill my coffee and I'd tell them some really bad jokes. I wouldn't get the job but it would make a fun hobby just showing up for interviews...........for a retired person.
When one door closes a new one always opens...but sometimes it is hell in the hallway. Our profession and the people we worked with are all a part of our identity, a big part. It is tough to leave all of that behind, but imo it is best to make a clean break and don't look back. Those feelings of loss are superficial and will not last. Spend time with your family, make new friends, get a hobby, a new profession, help someone....do all those things you didn't have time for and a year from now you will be wondering why in the world you didn't retire 10 years ago.
I agree with you for the most part; I do miss 90% of the people I used to work with but I don't really miss my job. I really wasn't looking for a way to get back into private practice(too much of a PITA at my advanced age) but I was excited to have been offered a job that I thought would be a perfect fit. Oh well...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
When one door closes a new one always opens...but sometimes it is hell in the hallway. Our profession and the people we worked with are all a part of our identity, a big part. It is tough to leave all of that behind, but imo it is best to make a clean break and don't look back. Those feelings of loss are superficial and will not last. Spend time with your family, make new friends, get a hobby, a new profession, help someone....do all those things you didn't have time for and a year from now you will be wondering why in the world you didn't retire 10 years ago.
I agree with you for the most part; I do miss 90% of the people I used to work with but I don't really miss my job. I really wasn't looking for a way to get back into private practice(too much of a PITA at my advanced age) but I was excited to have been offered a job that I thought would be a perfect fit. Oh well...
I finally got my web-based survey from Mercedes-Benz this evening. This one was very different from the other 8-question surveys I've received over the years from Mercedes.
It was composed of 15 questions with many opportunities to elaborate on the answers I gave in several areas. At the end of the survey the survey asks for additional comments. I sure let them know how dissatisfied I was with their consumer affairs division in Montvale, NJ. But as for my experiences with the dealership, I gave their management and the salesman I usually work with for deliveries superior scores - which were well deserved.
If it were not for the dealership's excellent handling of this last purchase experience, I would be back looking at BMW's or Jaguar's or Audi's. But I must admit that this new survey was extensive and well organized in order to extract large amounts of info from the consumer to adequately and fairly assess the performance of every aspect of a customer's experiences at the dealership level.
;But I must admit that this new survey was extensive and well organized in order to extract large amounts of info from the consumer to adequately and fairly assess the performance of every aspect of a customer's experiences at the dealership level.
Now if they only read them and not use them as excuse to withhold bonus to the sales person (usual MO for manufacturer's surveys). I really hope they read it. So far my experience is most of them couldn't care less, especially if you have general comments regarding the product or the organization. All they usually care is to get all tens, so they can claim ninety-something percent customer satisfaction score.
Since the collapse of the ramp span above the interstate in Cincinnati is being used for political fodder that we need more gas tax and spending to replace infrastructure..., the ramp had been replaced with a different exit pattern. This ramp was being removed as part of a renovation, so no need for mo' money for this as some "stupid" politicians claim: it was already being replaced.
The physics at work is that the contractor removed the concrete from the roadbed on the west side of the span. The steel under the floating span above the interstate sticks out past the concrete supports by a few feet and is connected to the steel and concrete for the span. The steel on the west was like a teeter totter pivoting on the concrete supports. When the 50 ton grappler machine was wheeled onto that end of the span, the teeter totter went down on the short ends of the empty steel beams. The floater dropped. The steel beams from the unloaded end where concrete had been removed too soon flew up and over onto the end of the floater where the grappler was and came down on the cab.
I see lots of lawsuits and lots of money to be made for expert witnesses from physics departments at major universities if the contractor doesn't settle. 12th grade physics.
I hope someone is able to interview the truck driver and give his story of what he saw ahead of him as the bridge twisted and collapsed before he ran into the side of it. Maybe he had a GoPro camera in the windshield recording.
Since the collapse of the ramp span above the interstate in Cincinnati is being used for political fodder that we need more gas tax and spending to replace infrastructure..., the ramp had been replaced with a different exit pattern. This ramp was being removed as part of a renovation, so no need for mo' money for this as some "stupid" politicians claim: it was already being replaced.
The physics at work is that the contractor removed the concrete from the roadbed on the west side of the span. The steel under the floating span above the interstate sticks out past the concrete supports by a few feet and is connected to the steel and concrete for the span. The steel on the west was like a teeter totter pivoting on the concrete supports. When the 50 ton grappler machine was wheeled onto that end of the span, the teeter totter went down on the short ends of the empty steel beams. The floater dropped. The steel beams from the unloaded end where concrete had been removed too soon flew up and over onto the end of the floater where the grappler was and came down on the cab.
I see lots of lawsuits and lots of money to be made for expert witnesses from physics departments at major universities if the contractor doesn't settle. 12th grade physics.
I hope someone is able to interview the truck driver and give his story of what he saw ahead of him as the bridge twisted and collapsed before he ran into the side of it. Maybe he had a GoPro camera in the windshield recording.
imid...could have predicted the debate on this huge accident. Tragically, there was loss of life (1 construction worker). Fortunately, it wasn't worse, much worse. I've heard the cries for another gas tax to keep this sort of thing from happening again.
As you point out, it was a ramp that was decommisioned. Whomever engineered it's removal made a terrible error. All the taxes in the world will not overcome this engineering error. It was human.
RB,,,if ever there were a need for litigation, this should be it. Lots of blame shifting going to happen with this debacle. Maybe you free lance on this?
I've seen all the studies, about how more gas taxes will solve a myriad of problems. None of those studies even address the boon the economy has been experiencing the last several months as a result. No one is talking about OPEC, Russia, Venezuela, etc holding all the cards because of their oil. By hook or by crook, we just removed the biggest reason we've had to intervene in Middle Eastern conflicts.
The price for that peace, for the booming economy, is far more valuable than any benefit to be gained by higher gas taxes.
Lower fuel prices affects everyone, the prices for goods will either be less or hold the line, since transporting them is much less. I mentioned earlier, for the wife and I, we will have an extra $2,000 in our podkets this year vs previous years becasue of the lower amount we're paying for gas. That's not insignificant.
Cars are cleaner running to the point where I'm absolutely amazed. Car companies have made such huge strides, in everything, including their emmissions and economy.....even over what they were 5 short years ago. I drive my CTS and my former Audi, Acura, and BMW feel like they were a dozen years behind, not 4 or 5.
I heard a Jay Leno segment last nigt on one of his episodes of Jay Leno's garage about the power cars are getting now with less displacement, fewer cyclinders, and more computer control than they did even a few years ago.
I've fallen in love with these little turbo motors in cars today. I think of the one in my car, 2.0L, 272 HP, 295 ft/lb, no turbo lag. That's not far off what a BMW i6 twin scroll turbo puts out. I'm getting 22 MPG just around town. I'm betting I'll get 27-28 MPG on any long trip....in an AWD car that will do 0-60 in less than 6 secs. Amazing.
A new gas tax won't solve anything....at least nothing that will be anywhere near cost effective. A booming economy, with efficient and clean cars, busses and trucks benefits almost everyone.....SIGNIFICANTLY!
GG, there is still a massive need for maintenance and repairs/replacements. Especially in the NE. So that money has to come from someplace. And taxes are taxes, so might as well use the gas tax. Of course, it would be nice if for a change the money was not siphoned off for some other purpose!
all the benefits you cite will still be there with a small increase in the gas tax. say, 10 cents a year for the next 3? that to me will help raise the funds, but not derail the economic and social/political boon we are seeing now.
People calling to raise it $2? Well, they are nuts!
GG, there is still a massive need for maintenance and repairs/replacements. Especially in the NE. So that money has to come from someplace. And taxes are taxes, so might as well use the gas tax. Of course, it would be nice if for a change the money was not siphoned off for some other purpose!
all the benefits you cite will still be there with a small increase in the gas tax. say, 10 cents a year for the next 3? that to me will help raise the funds, but not derail the economic and social/political boon we are seeing now.
People calling to raise it $2? Well, they are nuts!
I heard on FOX Business Channel that there is a better than 50-50 chance a gallon of RUG will approach $4.00 a gallon again by the end of this year! Even if their prediction is off by 30%, it would mean a return to higher priced gasoline.
Now, if gasoline taxes are raised $.50 to $1.00 a gallon, it could be devastating to our economy. Remember, once a tax is levied by our Washington DC "friends" it never gets repealed or lowered. But if the Keystone Pipeline can pass and the POTUS does not veto it (fat chance of that happening), there might be less resistance to raising gasoline taxes - which would be fine with me so long as the funds are specifically earmarked for roads and bridges.
" I believe a dealer is entitled to make a profit"
Oh, HORRORS, did you REALLY say that?
Tell them that in the Prices Paid Forums and see what happens!
Profit! (gasp) evil profit!
Too funny. I do agree dealers need to make money, I just want a fair deal and not be their laughing stock. I have been a repeat customer with a local dealer and enjoyed building that rapport. The salesman who I worked with has retired so now I am just another walk in.
Around here, the dealer owners are multi-millionairs ' the salesman are barely surviving with lots of turnover. The profit goes right past all the sales staff and right into the owners pocket. The margins are only slim because the owners take the lions share leaving scraps for the working men and women.
So, as with any job those "barely surviving" salespeople can seek alternative employment if they aren't happy.
Smart stores, like where I worked don't let this happen. A hard working salesperson can make an excellent living. It isn't easy but it does happen.
which would be fine with me so long as the funds are specifically earmarked for roads and bridges.
Agree but the total fuel tax, federal and state, needs to be reserved for vehicular traffic roadways and bridges only. I saw reports as much as 20% is going to other uses and not for the auto and truck roadways.
The loss of jobs due to the reduction in fracking production is going to slow the economy -- the low oil prices are not without negative effects. And that's the exact reason for which OPEC is maintaining production. The goal is to put the fracking drillers out of business.
GG, there is still a massive need for maintenance and repairs/replacements. Especially in the NE. So that money has to come from someplace. And taxes are taxes, so might as well use the gas tax. Of course, it would be nice if for a change the money was not siphoned off for some other purpose!
all the benefits you cite will still be there with a small increase in the gas tax. say, 10 cents a year for the next 3? that to me will help raise the funds, but not derail the economic and social/political boon we are seeing now.
People calling to raise it $2? Well, they are nuts!
As Mike said, once a tax is levied, it's like super glue.
If there are roads and bridges that need repair in any part of the contry, there are other ways to fix them other than to tax everyone. There are bonds that can be issued. Tolls (which are road use taxes). Maybe even regional/municipal taxes.
But, to have the FED (or my state for that matter) unilaterally raise gax taxes, well....that's bad for everyone. It stunts economic growth, across the board. It fuels inflation. It cuts personal spending and quality of life. It drags the U.S. into conflicts in the MIddle East we have no business being in. Those are expensive conflicts for us, too. I could go on, but none of it has a good outcome.
You need better roads/bridges? How about levying a tax on every car sold in your state and/or County to fund it? That takes care of youre regional problem, while not punishing the entire country to fix YOUR roads.
We have two years until the next election. The current administration can't run again, so no need to cater to PACs aligned with the oil industry. I can't see $4/gal helping anyone, except the oil industry. Everyone else, it hurts.
Demand is down for oil. U.S is now oil independent. Let OPEC flood the market. With fracking, new and better techniques in finding/refining oil, and the excuses of why gas is so high evaporating, I can't see any reason why we have to raise taxes or why gasoline can legally or responsibly rise significantly from where it is today. At worse, oil companies have to slim down as they have become obese, awash with your money. They needed to slim down anyway. Now's as good a time as any to force them to do just that.
Add to that, we now have the new CAFE requirements upon us, and car manufacturers are finding it easier and easier to hit the requirements. Electrics, hybrids, and even hydrogen cars are finally hitting the streets.
if I were big oil, instead of trying to artificially prop up prices, I'd be looking for other products and services as profit targets, because they are in a declining market.
which would be fine with me so long as the funds are specifically earmarked for roads and bridges.
Agree but the total fuel tax, federal and state, needs to be reserved for vehicular traffic roadways and bridges only.
I saw reports as much as 20% is going to other uses and not for the auto and truck roadways.
The loss of jobs due to the reduction in fracking production is going to slow the economy -- the low oil prices
are not without negative effects. And that's the exact reason for which OPEC is maintaining production. The goal is to put the fracking drillers out of business.
I have no doubt that you are correct. My concern is to assure stable crude oil supplies to the USA for the next 100+ years without having to rely on foreign oil suppliers (except for Canada and Mexico). The Keystone Pipeline will assure oil supplies in the North American Continent. That 100+ year supply of oil will provide sufficient time to create and develop alternative sources for cleaner energy.
As as for taxes on gasoline, 100% of the revenues MUST be used exclusively for road construction and repairs as well as bridges used by trucks and autos.
There is still massive deficiencies in our infrastructure - not just roads but dams, water systems, what have you.
Anyone who wants to use that accident to point that out is barking up the wrong tree and causing more damage to a known problem.
It would be really nice to see another peace dividend to fund this but it has to be done one way or another.
I would like to see (and never will) certain dedicated taxes that absolutely can't be used for anything else - no more borrowing from the pension fund to prop up a dead casino, no raiding Social Security to cover unrelated holes and now money specifically dedicated to infrastructure that can't be used for nicer offices for transportation management, no borrowing it to fund a school.
Would be nice if they treated roads like our county treats libraries - there is a specific library tax as a separate line item on your tax bill. If all departments had to say, "yep, this is what it costs for what we have to do" you'd see a lot more scrutiny.
Of course no one complains about the library tax but that's because it's a really good bang for the buck tax and librarians as a lot tend to be pretty scrupulous.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Comments
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I asked the used car manager why he hasn't sold the CLS 550 yet. His response was that the market is very soft on that car due to 2014's still available as well as the introduction of the 2015 CLS 400 (thousands less than a 550) with the same engine I have in my new E 400.
I know this sounds out of character for me, but I sure hope they sell the car soon and make a decent profit on it. They have always done well with my trades in the past. I believe a dealer is entitled to make a profit - I just hope this is not a loss to them.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Oh, HORRORS, did you REALLY say that?
Tell them that in the Prices Paid Forums and see what happens!
Profit! (gasp) evil profit!
All kidding aside - I would feel terrible if my dealer lost money on my deal. They already sell me cars at tremendously slim margins. I really do hope they sell my 2014 CLS 550.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Dealers are entitled to make a decent profit on the cars they sell.
When you factor in the overhead, commissions, taxes and upkeep it isn't easy and only the strong survive.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I have to agree, in part, with your comments, Jay. Sales personnel earn most of their income from bonuses and "spiffs" (mini-bonuses paid daily or weekly), not on straight commission, like they used to.
Here's how it works:
*Straight commission on a sale can be anything from $150 per vehicle to 30%+ on the net profit from the sale. The % profit is usually determined by the number of units sold in a calendar month - 15% on 1-8 units; 20% on 9-18 units; 25% on 19-26 units, and so on. Total commission percentage is retroactive to the first unit sold. The above commission percentage varies from dealer to dealer. Thus, the more units sold in a given month, the higher the commission on each unit.
*Daily and weekly "spiffs". A spiff is a $ amount paid to a salesman for selling a specific used car or one of a list of pre-identified cars (older new car inventory) or selling 3 cars in one day or selling 3,4 or 5 cars on a specific weekend. Also, many dealers pay up to $500+ a month to a salesman who receives perfect scores on surveys. These spiffs can be paid in cash or added to the salesman's bi-weekly check.
*Special bonuses paid for achieving more global sales objectives that can amount to hefty year-end bonuses. Some can be as high as $5000-$10,000 at year end.
So, as you can see, commissions are only a part of a salesman's compensation plan. I had many salesman earning more than I earned in a given year due to bonuses and spiffs when I was a sales manager.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
It has some nice practical features. When you push the max defrost button, it also turns on the rear defrost.
Also, if you have the front wipers on and you put it in reverse, the rear wiper turns on.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Steroids kick up blood sugar. No way around it. They are excellent for what they're needed for mostly major inflammation but the have hideous side effects. Ask the man whose been there.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You and me both!!! Been there - done that too!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I might just run for his office in four years so I can hire myself...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Run for his office! Of course, then you'd really be back at work again.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I apologize for venting about this but it really sticks in my craw...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
To keep this discussion on track, make mine 5w30, synthetic, please.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Since then, crickets. Aside from a couple of lunches with the people who used to work for me, nothing.
While in truth I really wasn't looking to do anything, I find myself a bit put out that they didn't seek some advice on a few things. I just read a few weeks ago about a new initiative they announced that could very well have trade implications down the road. I could have helped them avoid that. But it's too late now.
A little extra income would be nice, but that's not it. I could have advertised myself or affiliated with a consulting group and done that kind of work if that was my objective, and I didn't want to. But I figured my old employer would probably want something and I would have been glad to provide it. Apparently not. Strange.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Someone who doesn't have the courtesy to write a reply or give an explanation is thoughtless and is not a decent human being, I hope you or someone does run against him. It may have been 30 years but it wasn't friendship......friendship requires doing something for the other person.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
None of us is indespensible, much as we hate to admit it. The company may be much less efficient after the departure, but there's a better than even chance that they either won't notice it, won't admit it, or certainly won't allocate any of it to the people on whose shoulders the current administration rests.
Charles de Gaulle was known for pity quotes. My favorite was something like, "The graveyards are full of irreplaceable men."
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I was thinking of applying for some high level job. I'd make up all my qualifications. Then I would come in looking like a bum, and tell them stuff like why would I work for your company and I have no idea what you do? I'd spill my coffee and I'd tell them some really bad jokes. I wouldn't get the job but it would make a fun hobby just showing up for interviews...........for a retired person.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
It was composed of 15 questions with many opportunities to elaborate on the answers I gave in several areas. At the end of the survey the survey asks for additional comments. I sure let them know how dissatisfied I was with their consumer affairs division in Montvale, NJ. But as for my experiences with the dealership, I gave their management and the salesman I usually work with for deliveries superior scores - which were well deserved.
If it were not for the dealership's excellent handling of this last purchase experience, I would be back looking at BMW's or Jaguar's or Audi's. But I must admit that this new survey was extensive and well organized in order to extract large amounts of info from the consumer to adequately and fairly assess the performance of every aspect of a customer's experiences at the dealership level.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2018 430i Gran Coupe
The physics at work is that the contractor removed the concrete from the roadbed on the west side of the span. The steel under the floating span above the interstate sticks out past the concrete supports by a few feet and is connected to the steel and concrete for the span. The steel on the west was like a teeter totter pivoting on the concrete supports. When the 50 ton grappler machine was wheeled onto that end of the span, the teeter totter went down on the short ends of the empty steel beams. The floater dropped. The steel beams from the unloaded end where concrete had been removed too soon flew up and over onto the end of the floater where the grappler was and came down on the cab.
I see lots of lawsuits and lots of money to be made for expert witnesses from physics departments at major universities if the contractor doesn't settle. 12th grade physics.
I hope someone is able to interview the truck driver and give his story of what he saw ahead of him as the bridge twisted and collapsed before he ran into the side of it. Maybe he had a GoPro camera in the windshield recording.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
As you point out, it was a ramp that was decommisioned. Whomever engineered it's removal made a terrible error. All the taxes in the world will not overcome this engineering error. It was human.
RB,,,if ever there were a need for litigation, this should be it. Lots of blame shifting going to happen with this debacle. Maybe you free lance on this?
I've seen all the studies, about how more gas taxes will solve a myriad of problems. None of those studies even address the boon the economy has been experiencing the last several months as a result. No one is talking about OPEC, Russia, Venezuela, etc holding all the cards because of their oil. By hook or by crook, we just removed the biggest reason we've had to intervene in Middle Eastern conflicts.
The price for that peace, for the booming economy, is far more valuable than any benefit to be gained by higher gas taxes.
Lower fuel prices affects everyone, the prices for goods will either be less or hold the line, since transporting them is much less. I mentioned earlier, for the wife and I, we will have an extra $2,000 in our podkets this year vs previous years becasue of the lower amount we're paying for gas. That's not insignificant.
Cars are cleaner running to the point where I'm absolutely amazed. Car companies have made such huge strides, in everything, including their emmissions and economy.....even over what they were 5 short years ago. I drive my CTS and my former Audi, Acura, and BMW feel like they were a dozen years behind, not 4 or 5.
I heard a Jay Leno segment last nigt on one of his episodes of Jay Leno's garage about the power cars are getting now with less displacement, fewer cyclinders, and more computer control than they did even a few years ago.
I've fallen in love with these little turbo motors in cars today. I think of the one in my car, 2.0L, 272 HP, 295 ft/lb, no turbo lag. That's not far off what a BMW i6 twin scroll turbo puts out. I'm getting 22 MPG just around town. I'm betting I'll get 27-28 MPG on any long trip....in an AWD car that will do 0-60 in less than 6 secs. Amazing.
A new gas tax won't solve anything....at least nothing that will be anywhere near cost effective. A booming economy, with efficient and clean cars, busses and trucks benefits almost everyone.....SIGNIFICANTLY!
all the benefits you cite will still be there with a small increase in the gas tax. say, 10 cents a year for the next 3? that to me will help raise the funds, but not derail the economic and social/political boon we are seeing now.
People calling to raise it $2? Well, they are nuts!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Now, if gasoline taxes are raised $.50 to $1.00 a gallon, it could be devastating to our economy. Remember, once a tax is levied by our Washington DC "friends" it never gets repealed or lowered. But if the Keystone Pipeline can pass and the POTUS does not veto it (fat chance of that happening), there might be less resistance to raising gasoline taxes - which would be fine with me so long as the funds are specifically earmarked for roads and bridges.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Smart stores, like where I worked don't let this happen. A hard working salesperson can make an excellent living. It isn't easy but it does happen.
I saw reports as much as 20% is going to other uses and not for the auto and truck roadways.
The loss of jobs due to the reduction in fracking production is going to slow the economy -- the low oil prices
are not without negative effects. And that's the exact reason for which OPEC is maintaining production. The goal is to put the fracking drillers out of business.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
If there are roads and bridges that need repair in any part of the contry, there are other ways to fix them other than to tax everyone. There are bonds that can be issued. Tolls (which are road use taxes). Maybe even regional/municipal taxes.
But, to have the FED (or my state for that matter) unilaterally raise gax taxes, well....that's bad for everyone. It stunts economic growth, across the board. It fuels inflation. It cuts personal spending and quality of life. It drags the U.S. into conflicts in the MIddle East we have no business being in. Those are expensive conflicts for us, too. I could go on, but none of it has a good outcome.
You need better roads/bridges? How about levying a tax on every car sold in your state and/or County to fund it? That takes care of youre regional problem, while not punishing the entire country to fix YOUR roads.
We have two years until the next election. The current administration can't run again, so no need to cater to PACs aligned with the oil industry. I can't see $4/gal helping anyone, except the oil industry. Everyone else, it hurts.
Demand is down for oil. U.S is now oil independent. Let OPEC flood the market. With fracking, new and better techniques in finding/refining oil, and the excuses of why gas is so high evaporating, I can't see any reason why we have to raise taxes or why gasoline can legally or responsibly rise significantly from where it is today. At worse, oil companies have to slim down as they have become obese, awash with your money. They needed to slim down anyway. Now's as good a time as any to force them to do just that.
Add to that, we now have the new CAFE requirements upon us, and car manufacturers are finding it easier and easier to hit the requirements. Electrics, hybrids, and even hydrogen cars are finally hitting the streets.
if I were big oil, instead of trying to artificially prop up prices, I'd be looking for other products and services as profit targets, because they are in a declining market.
As as for taxes on gasoline, 100% of the revenues MUST be used exclusively for road construction and repairs as well as bridges used by trucks and autos.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Anyone who wants to use that accident to point that out is barking up the wrong tree and causing more damage to a known problem.
It would be really nice to see another peace dividend to fund this but it has to be done one way or another.
I would like to see (and never will) certain dedicated taxes that absolutely can't be used for anything else - no more borrowing from the pension fund to prop up a dead casino, no raiding Social Security to cover unrelated holes and now money specifically dedicated to infrastructure that can't be used for nicer offices for transportation management, no borrowing it to fund a school.
Would be nice if they treated roads like our county treats libraries - there is a specific library tax as a separate line item on your tax bill. If all departments had to say, "yep, this is what it costs for what we have to do" you'd see a lot more scrutiny.
Of course no one complains about the library tax but that's because it's a really good bang for the buck tax and librarians as a lot tend to be pretty scrupulous.