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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You are so right about letting a car sit for long periods of time. In 1986 I purchased a 1966 Ford Galaxy that had belonged to a family friend. I had remembered the car when it was new---emerald green with a cream colored top and pale green interior cloth seats. I had always loved that car. The family friend had stopped driving and put the car in the garage for over a year. When I bought it, I had it painted the exact original colors by an antique car dealer. The original cloth interior was flawless. Then the s--- hit the fan. Every part of the engine began having trouble. My trusted mechanic at that time summed it up this way, "It was allowed to sit dry for too long." After many repairs and many $'s, I sold it to the same antique car dealer who had painted it. Did I lose money on the deal? Oh, you just wouldn't believe how much. Since I don't know squat about what is under a hood, I am not a good prospect for owning an antique car. Still, I do love them.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "All down south of course."

    We do have our own directional terms:

    North---It's up yonder a piece ( a piece is from one mile to 20 miles.)
    South---It's down thar a piece.
    Time to get there---It will take quite a spell. (1 to 4 hours)
    Time to get there---You'll get thar in the shake of a dog's tail. (10 to 30 minutes)
    Shortest route---Go up to the dead tree and turn right. Follow granny's crows to the old farm house. Keep going skrate (straight) until you sees the general store. It's up the road from thar.
    How far to Raleigh---ain't ever been there.
    Do you know a Mr. John Doe who lives around here?--- Yep. Thar be's six of 'em. Which one you want?
    Can I get there from here?---Depends on how you go outta here.
    I'm lost.---Well, come on in and have a glass of iced tea. Mama just made a fresh pound cake. You ain't in no hurry. You can follow me and I'll get you there.

    At least we try to be helpful. :P

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I thought that you knew. I'm known in these parts as Mr. Fashionista. Me wear cargo pants? Not in this life time. :P Actually, I do own two pairs. They are left overs from when I traveled in Asia. I just don't want to wear cargo pants or shorts every day.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    You've forgotten "Turn right up where the Esso station used to be."
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Love that watch!

    Richard
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    Hmmm... ya know, maybe it is the tire that's at fault? How low of a profile is it? I only ask because, during 20 years and close to 400k miles of driving on Jersey roads, I have NEVER had a tire damaged by a pothole or any kind of road hazard. I've never had Dunlops, though. So just a thought.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,405
    Q, you have dodged a bullet my man.

    this is one reason I dislike the trend to ever lower profile tires on "normal" cars. An Accord does not need 45 series sneakers. Some non-pperformance cars even have 40s now. I think 55 is a nice compromise. 50s at the least, if they are decently wide.

    I just had to replace the tires on my TL after my son hit a pothole and put an impact break in the sidewall of a front tire. Coincidentally (or not!) that was the same corner where the strut blew (they did have 150K on them!)

    But, these were 205/60s, and the wheel was fine. I would not be surprised if a newer model with 215/45s would have lost a wheel too.

    When I had my tC with 45s, I drove like a paranoid granny, trying to avoid hitting any imperfection!

    Worse though was the time I hit a crater on 295 (during an earlier round of construction). Bot right side tires with sidewall breaks, but wheels were fine. An advantage to big fat 60 series tires.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,979
    edited April 2010
    Its 55 series on a 17" rim. The tire didn't blow but now has a huge bubble on the outside and I won't drive on it. In 14 years and who knows how many miles this is the first time I have a ever damaged a tire on a pot hole. At least the rim was saved!

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,979
    I hit a crater on 295 (during an earlier round of construction).

    Yeah the current contruction (on 295 and 73) was why I took 130 home the other night. Until they shifted us to the new lanes, 295 was pretty nasty there for a while, lots of holes.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    "I don't see why American culture can't condone a man carrying a purse."

    Richard--

    I don't know if you ever watched the series Seinfeld, but that very issue was covered. In one episode, Jerry traveled with a "European Carry-All" that presumably held his wallet, keys and the like. When a pickpocket steals it Jerry tries to get the local policeman to stop the thief by yelling something like "a thief has stolen my European Carry-All." Of course, the cop has no idea what he's talking about and he is forced to say the thief has stolen my purse.

    As someone who from time to time carries a messenger bag, which is something of a cross between a backpack and purse. I haven't heard any snide comments, but maybe I'm not listening closely enough. You can carry a ton of stuff with messenger bags, which is also the point of a purse, right? However I had to quit using mine for quite a while because the resultant neck pain was causing frequent headaches.

    Gogiboy
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    At least we try to be helpful.

    And Mrs. jmonroe’s all time favorite Southern saying…Sure Don’t. Talk about getting someone all excited for an instant only to have the rug yanked out from under ya. :surprise:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    " I know what "road feel" is like. I owned an MGB and a Miata. They were local fun cars. I might take them on a three hour trip to the beach, but no more distance than that."

    Richard--

    Exactly! Neither of our cross-country vehicles are as floaty as I would like, but, then I'm too cheap--and too young--to drive a Buick or Lincoln. At 53, my students already think I'm ancient, why give them additional fodder.

    My 92 MR2 has excellent "road feel" with a roughly 50/50 weight balance and no power steering. It's a lot of fun to drive--and you know when you are driving it. I would not want to drive it to MI, but 60 mile jaunts to OKC and Tulsa are just fine as are trips around town.

    I guess when I think of "numb" it is involving a different part of the anatomy. To me, driving any distance in a Jeep Wrangler is a numbing experience at least after the teeth rattling phase. I'm always stunned when I see them on the interstate. Everyone has a different threshold for pain/pleasure and for some they are interconnected. ;) As for "numb steering" our 2002 Rav4 drove circles around my 1969 Ford Galaxie. As I recall, those cars of yesteryear always took a half dozen revolutions of the steering wheel to do anything. Maybe it's just my fading memory...just give me two Buicks and a glass of water and I'll feel better in the morning.

    Gogiboy
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    You can carry a ton of stuff with messenger bags, which is also the point of a purse, right? However I had to quit using mine for quite a while because the resultant neck pain was causing frequent headaches.

    I think I know what you mean. The other day Mrs. j ask me to hand her her purse. At first I said, “huh”? then I said “where is it?” She said, “don’t worry I won’t tell anyone you picked up a purse. It’s on the floor, right there.” Being the nice guy that I am I reached for it and it damn near pulled me off the couch. I wasn’t expecting it to have the weight of a work out bag. Now I know why I don’t mess with her. Anybody that can fling that thing around all day like she does, ain’t to be messed with. :(

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Calling Dick Tracy!

    Nice watch, very stylish. It would go nice with a pair of cargo pants. :D

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    The tire didn't blow but now has a huge bubble on the outside and I won't drive on it.

    Oh, definitely not.

    I'm wondering, too, if it is not tire pressure?? I dunno. Just grasping at straws. I always run higher-than-recommended pressures, so possibly my sidewalls are protected better.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,979
    I checked them recently and were at 33 which is where I normally keep them (cold). I had been driving for a little while so have to assume they were in the upper 30s. I used to keep them at 35 cold, but this car rides hard enough.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • the_big_althe_big_al Member Posts: 1,079
    I saw an brand new M3 coupe the other day that made me sick. It's along these same lines. I was at the gas station that I frequent way too much and parked in the stalls was this M3. I walked in and there was a crowd, but only one guy fit the bill of possibly driving it. But he didn't. As the crowd thinned and I got ready to pay for my gas (this gas station doesn't accept credit and you must go inside to pay) I watched to see who got into the car. No one did and soon I was left all alone and the M3 was still there.

    I began to suspect that someone behind the counter drove but couldn't believe that anyone working behind the counter made enough to afford that kind of car. There was a kid however back there just chillin and wasn't working, but just there as if he were hanging out. I paid and when I went out, I asked the guys outside pumping gas who owned the M3. They said it was the owner's son. They started griping that they had enough money to buy their 16 year old son this M3, but just a few weeks ago were saying they didn't have enough money and so they had to cut back on hours, etc etc...

    I was aghast that these owners of the station would buy a 16 year old kid this kind of vehicle. It just blew my mind....
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I've seen this for years. Many parents drive junk cars in order to purchase their children new rides. It never ceases to amaze me.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Or where the Gulf station used to be or where the old Amoco station used to be. :D

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Messenger bag is a good idea.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Here's another one that gives you false hope: Bless your heart. No, I don't.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Your perception of "numb" is the same as mine.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Actually, it WOULD look good with the cargo pants. ;)

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    There's a place where I grew up and still frequent that has fabulous Texas Wieners (which, despite their name are a Jersey thing). The place is called McCobb's but absolutely no one calls it that. Before they redid the place and expanded the menu in 1973 it was called the Maple Snack Bar. To this day no one calls it anything except "The Maple." My kids, the oldest of whom was minus 16 in 1973, call it the Maple.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,347
    To me, driving any distance in a Jeep Wrangler is a numbing experience at least after the teeth rattling phase.

    My 1999 Sahara isn't my first choice for interstate jaunts but I've taken it on 250 mile round trips with no complaints. My wife and I both find the bucket seats very comfortable and the ride isn't bad at all, especially since I slapped a set of Bilstein HDs on it. That said, it gets pretty noisy above 60 mph or so, but aside from that I really do enjoy driving it.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,347
    I was aghast that these owners of the station would buy a 16 year old kid this kind of vehicle. It just blew my mind...

    You would not believe some of the cars that I've seen kids bring to Street Survival; one kid had a WRX STi. And some people have acted like I'm extravagant when I mention I'm going to let my son drive my 1975 2002...
    By the way, he now has his eye on a 924S or a 944. I told him that if he keeps his driving record clean for a year we'll sell the '02 and start looking for a nice 924S/944- with my son paying any difference between the selling price of the '02 and the purchase price of the Porsche.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    (this gas station doesn't accept credit and you must go inside to pay)

    Opens up the possibility of some very creative accounting. Probably one of the reasons they can afford to buy the kid an M3......
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    edited April 2010
    I saw an brand new M3 coupe the other day
    these owners of the station would buy a 16 year old kid this kind of vehicle


    Welcome big al....I think it is your first time here. By an M3...is it the car below, a BMW M3? I agree, the parents must be cheap...they should have bought the kid a $140,000 Maserati.

    image

    image

    Just joking, seriously, I don't get it. I'll be surprised if it all turns out well for this kid. I think it is best if he does it on his own.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    (this gas station doesn't accept credit and you must go inside to pay)
    Opens up the possibility of some very creative accounting


    That's funny! If you are going to have a gas station, that's definitely the way to do it.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    My idea of feel of the open road is hopping on the Harley for a 300-500 mile day. Only way to live!
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Ride to live, live to ride...right?
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I don't mean to be personal, but I'm curious as to how your son will get the money to pay the difference between a 2002 and a 2011. I would imagine that it would be quite a sum of money.

    Richard
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,405
    got ya with the nomenclature short hand again.

    the 02 is a early 1970s BMW 2002. The kid wants a Porsche 924 or 944, so those are cars made from the mid-70s through the midish 80s.

    depending on relative condition, may not be that much of an increase (and if you get a car with needs, could cost less!)

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    edited April 2010
    . . .I'm curious as to how your son will get the money to pay the difference between a 2002 and a 2011. I would imagine that it would be quite a sum of money.

    Just a more colorful way of saying "ain't never gonna happen in my family," IMHO.

    It's necessary to know that a 2002 is a popular (to put it mildly) BMW that came out in the '60s or so and is considered by many to be the most "pure" form of the breed -- as far as you can get from the hermetically-sealed electronic pigs of the brand today (with solid rubber tires, yet). So, the 2002 is 35-45 years old, not eight. The BMW 1600 from about the same time was the car Nissan copied for their 1600, later 510, that was another really fun sedan from the era. Good times.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • bronsonbbronsonb Member Posts: 170
    Actually, for 2009, it was the Passat CC, for 2010 and going forward, it's just "CC" :)
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    So, the 2002 is 35-45 years old, not eight.

    I take it you are old enough to remember this so you’re in the demographic that may be getting an email like what’s been going around here this morning. Maybe you’ve seen it. Richard should have. :D It goes like this:

    ALIENS ARE COMING TO EARTH ON MONDAY, AND THEIR MISSION IS TO ABDUCT ALL GOOD LOOKING AND SEXY "OLD" PEOPLE.

    YOU WILL BE SAFE; I'M JUST E-MAILING YOU TO SAY GOODBYE.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    BMW took a hiatus from luxury cars when it stopped building the "Baroque Angel" around 1962 to concentrate on cars like the 1500 and 2002. It wasn't until the Bavaria they got back into building luxury cars. I'd love to make a date with a pretentious, snooty, materialistic gold-digger by telling her I drive a BMW and show up for the date in an Isetta! :P
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Good grief! I was way off base. This is a good example of why we need to post the car brand, the model, and the year. With hundreds of lurkers reading this forum, I can't be the only flake who gets these numbers and letters confused. :cry: Thanks for setting me straight. :)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "ALIENS ARE COMING TO EARTH..."

    I can see now that even among aliens, there is no accounting for taste. :P

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    . This is a good example of why we need to post the car brand, the model, and the year

    That is a good idea. I was going to post this but decided it would be too confusing;

    I have a friend who was looking at a few different models. He tried out an LTD Z MDX CL RX 328 335 Z28 500 G35 RDX ZDX RX350 A4 HHR SS CC 3 2 5 6 SX4 LS. LR2 LR3. 3-Series and a TDI.

    I guess this might have been too confusing :confuse:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,979
    I have a friend who was looking at a few different models

    Almost stumped me on "SX4"....

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    Just found this news. A salesman sues his dealership for racial harassment.. :sick:
    http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/03/25/review-toyota-sienna/
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    uhhh.... did he do it while reviewing a Sienna?
    Or did you post the wrong link? (probably the more likely scenario)

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    You got it - or as Jimmy Buffet says, "Live until you die... Not die so you can live".
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    SX4...not sure if they are in North America. I looked up Sizuki and there it was.
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    uhhh.... did he do it while reviewing a Sienna?That's funny......I think this is the article he wanted to post.
    Salesman sues

    I was curious so had to find out what it was all about.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Now I am confused. Either he was trying to sell a Sienna or a Suzuki. Still no word on the suit....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    What you need is to invest in good pair of cargo pants, also available as shorts.
    And as convertibles, just like some cars. :D

    http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2806402&f=PAD%2FTy- pe%3A+Pants%2FConvertible&fbc=1&fbn=Type%3A+Pants|Convertible
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    The SX4 is available in the US at least.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,347
    Sorry Richard, I'll be more specific in the future. In any case the Porsche we hope to find is an 80's vintage 924S, which looks like the old 924 but has a real Porsche engine as opposed to the weedy VW lump that the regular 924 had:

    image

    And for comparison purposes, here is my 1975 2002:

    image

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

This discussion has been closed.