Stories from the Sales Frontlines

driver100

. I had not heard about the change to an SUV/Crossover.

This picture shows a possible Durrango/Magnum vehicle. I tried to copy it and it shows up on the preview but it disappears when I actually post it.

See what you think.
possible 2011 Durrango/Magnum

Last time oldfarmer wrote he was into the busy farming season. Probably hasn't returned from the back 40. I miss his views of the world too!

jayrider

Repost in 10 years and see if you've changed your tune. A decade will change you in ways you won't believe.

sterlingdog

Duh! Now I see. The post said that he "went into service", meaning service department. I AM losing it. Thanks.

Richard

sterlingdog

Amen! You beat me to it.

Richard

driver100

I have had to merge and avoid bad drives and you don't need a Vette to do so.

I'll take every advantage I can to be able to make defensive moves in todays traffic.
Precise steering, better suspension, electronic stability control, all wheel drive, ABS, extra power (maybe for passing on a 2 lane highway) all add up to more safety for me.

If you travel at 30 mph or less on a jammed up highway 100% of the time then maybe basic transportation will do. Someone can still run into your car and if it isn't designed right you will sustain much worse injuries than if you are in a 5* crash test car. It is your choice!

BETTER HANDLING + MORE HP = MORE SAFETY (when used properly)

sterlingdog

Are you familiar with an area near the Burg called Moon Township? I read an article yesterday that said it was one of the top five places to retire in America.. They considered income levels, housing cost, health care, taxes, education levels, weather, etc. I was surprised to read that 4 of the 5 top places are found in the northeast. Number 5 was Gainesville, Florida. I have read articles like this one before, and the choices to vary.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Someone can still run into your car..."

I had rather be in a Tahoe or a TC than a little BMW if that happens. No amount of hp or performance will help you at that point.

Richard

driver100

I have no problems getting up to speed. Then the cruise goes on.

I use cruise control too, but the road has to be pretty clear. Hard to take evasive action with the cruise control on. I have had large trucks vere over into my lane, people change lanes for no apparent reason, lots of times I have seen people cut across 3 lanes to make an exit.....didn't they know they would be getting off there?......all kinds of things, and I know a car with reponsive handling and a good suspension system gives me a better chance in these situations.

Few situations are that critical that it will matter whether you are driving a BMW, Gennie, Audi, or a 1981 Plymouth Aries...but it only takes one bad accident to change your life around completely.

Now go back and watch Discovery Channel and learn something you can share with us today.

driver100

I had rather be in a Tahoe or a TC than a little BMW if that happens. No amount of hp or performance will help you at that point.

It's a trade off I think. First, if people would stop buying SUVs then we could go back to driving normal cars again...it would all even out.

Having owned a few SUVs I feel safer in the car. I think it is designed to handle better, and cooperates better with gravity. You don't get much snow but I always see SUVs in the ditch when it snows because drivers get overconfident and the SUVs are more awkward.

For brute strength, yes the SUV will win if an SUV and a sedan collide. But, if the sedan is built right with crumple zones etc than I think the handling is far superior. Once again, if you have to swerve to avoid a collision, I think you can do it better in a sports sedan.

sterlingdog

Great article and great pictures. Thanks. Things must be top secret at Chrysler just now. Articles talk about the new Durango, while others say it is gone. Some talk about the Aspen being gone, while others aren't sure. This one says that Durango will be gone in 2012, and that the Dodge/Magnum is a combination for next November or December. The next few months will be interesting to observe.

Richard

mako1a

BETTER HANDLING + MORE HP = MORE SAFETY (when used properly)

I believe the correct saying is
Right of Way is determined by Gross Tonnage and Number of Wheels

driver100

Right of Way is determined by Gross Tonnage and Number of Wheels

I would agree about "Right of Way" but for accident avoidance "BETTER HANDLING + MORE HP = MORE SAFETY (when used properly)

Yesterday we went to see a great play about an hour away in Port Dover on Lake Erie. On the way home we stopped for a delicious ice cream....I had Peanutbutter Fudge by the way. Getting back on to the 2 lane - 60 mph highway was a challenge as there were few spaces. Finally, a car was turning into the ice cream place, so I had a window of opportunity to turn right and get into traffic without interfering with the next car. I was capable of getting up to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, so traffic just kept moving....and that is one factor in making roads safer, not interfering in the traffic flow. I would probably be still there waiting if I had a K-Car. :P

driver100

So, lots of mystery and time to decide. Personally, I get a little nervous about car companies scrambling for parts and trying to come up with new models for the least cost. In the meantime, I would go for a nice test drive in a GLK.Durango will be gone in 2012, and that the Dodge/Magnum is a combination for next November or December. The next few months will be interesting to observe.

Seems to be lots of speculation but little real factual knowledge. You might consider this though if leaning towards a Durango;
Code-named “WD,” the Durango will be sharing a unibody chassis with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2011 Mercedes ML-Class. Not all things will be equal as we expect the Benz to sport higher-end running gear than its Chrysler brothers.
While the Durango nameplate has been in use since 1998, that may change with this newest iteration. During Chrysler’s marathon presentation of their 5-year plan in November, the word “Durango” was never spoken. In the PowerPoint presentation, it was referred to simply as “Full-size CUV.” Rumors have suggested the next-gen Durango could be renamed the Magnum – a name last used on a low-slung sports wagon.
Based on a leaked production list we expect this new Dodge CUV to start production on November 8, 2010 at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan.

So, lots of mystery and time to decide. Personally, I get a little nervous about car companies scrambling for parts and trying to come up with new models for the least cost. In the meantime, I would go for a nice test drive in a GLK.

mako1a

Our Interstate speed limit is supposed to go to 70 from 65 today.

I'll be glad to see that as W.Va and NC are both 70 making us the 50 mile N/S speed trap (revenue enhancer).

People wanting to continue at 70, but forced to go 65 drive kind of herky jerky thru here. I'll be glad to see a little more continuity as this corridor is aligned.

Traffic congestion, ah yes, I remember it well from living in Virginia Beach.
When we moved here I saw 3 cars at a traffic light and said to my wife "look honey, a traffic jam" We both laughed. I wouldn't go back to the city for anything.

sterlingdog

The only problem with a GLK is that I don't want to be over an hour away from the nearest MB dealer. As for new models for the least cost, they all do that number. Otherwise, they wouldn't be in business. At least Chrysler is trying SOMETHING. Ford and GM will have new models as well. The Explorer is being completely revised. I think that the Big Three are on the right track. The sleeping giants have finally been awakened.

Richard

sterlingdog

I'm so glad to hear your news about the 70 mph. I wish that I had all of the money back from those tickets that I got in your lovely community.

Richard

verdugo

No amount of hp or performance will help you at that point.

Agreed, physics will trumpt HP or perfomrance every time.

verdugo

. I was capable of getting up to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds

I think a lot of the cars on the market today can do 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. A Smart Car or a Honda Fit obviously won't be able to do it.

Now if you had said 0 to 60 in 4 seconds, I'd be impressed with your BMW. :P

verdugo

. I was capable of getting up to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds

I think a lot of the cars on the market today can do 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. A Smart Car or a Honda Fit obviously won't be able to do it.

Now if you had said 0 to 60 in 4 seconds, I'd be impressed with your BMW. :P

kyfdx

Really? Was that article in Mad Magazine? :surprise:

jmonroe

Are you familiar with an area near the Burg called Moon Township? I read an article yesterday that said it was one of the top five places to retire in America.. They considered income levels...

Yes, I know where that is. It’s where the major airport is, which is West of the Burgh. I live in one of the Eastern suburbs. It’s a lot quieter around here. I wonder why that is? :confuse: As for the cost of living here in the Burgh area, it’s a lot less than many cities of the same size. Health care…well, this is great place to have a heart attack; very well rated hospitals around here. Education…well, you already know about this stuff although it doesn’t stick to everybody, you know.

All in all this ain’t a bad place to have grown up and raised a family.

jmonroe

driver100

I think a lot of the cars on the market today can do 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds.

Apparently, the BMW can do 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds, but I only needed to use 8 seconds....I wouldn't have attempted even that in the Optima, though it might do it in 8 seconds, but with no margin for error.

This is what can happen if you don't have proper steering and handling;

jipster

Welcome to Oxmoor Mazda, Kentuckiana's #1 Mazda dealer and home to the largest selection of new Mazda vehicles in a 500 mile radius! (source MNAO 2010)

Consistently ranked among the top 20 Mazda dealers in the Nation

Hey roadburner, check it out... from their web site. Hard to believe. They also have won the 2010 Gold Cup and 2009 Presidents Club award. Reading consumer reviews, which were generally poor, it doesn't make sense. But, of course you get about 12 guys from competing dealerships post a bunch of bogus reviews and they can make anybody look bad. Maybe you owe these guys an apology.

driver100

The only problem with a GLK is that I don't want to be over an hour away from the nearest MB dealer

Oil changes every 15k miles, bumper to bumper warranty for 5 years. For the few times you will need service it would be worth it. If you do need service the dealership will have wide screen TV, latest coffee and latte machines, muffins and cookies and fruit. It is actually like going on a mini vacation if you need servicing - make a day trip out of it.

Anyway, how many antiques can one person haul? For the extra savings have someone deliver your furniture. Get a U-Haul for the day. Doesn't your house reach saturation point some time? Do you recycle and take old ones to the Salvation Army? What's going to be left for your nephew and Frez, just some old furniture?

jipster

Not sure if you are losing it but I thought that Greenpea went over to the service department of his dealership. Not quite the same as the military... unless there are some unruly customers

LoL. Good one tall man. I'm sure a lot of times it must seem like combat. :P

driver100

that Greenpea went over to the service department of his dealership. Not quite the same as the military...

Yes, it is really easy to mix up "the service department" with "military service", especially when one is a wordsmith.

jmonroe

This is what can happen if you don't have proper steering and handling;

No…that is what happens when you have two idiots that try to defy the laws of physics by TRYING to put two objects in the same space at the same time.

jmonroe

driver100

No…that is what happens when you have two idiots that try to defy the laws of physics by TRYING to put two objects in the same space at the same time

All it takes really is one idiot. You're the engineer, so you should realize that more than any one. Lets say you were driving one of these cars up to the toll booth, and another driver decides he wants to use your toll booth. You might need good brakes, steering and handling to avoid the idiot in the other car, or a driver in the other lane. :surprise:

jayrider

That picture of the cars wedged in the toll lane gives us all a reason to be proud to be distant relatives of those fine human specimans.

driver100

Here we go again;

Toyota Motor Corp. (TM-N68.880.310.45%) had not yet alerted U.S. safety regulators by Thursday morning of a recall of one Toyota and seven Lexus models for possible engine stalling while driving, a federal safety official said.

Toyota officials in Tokyo earlier on Thursday said the world’s top automaker was considering “some kind of measure” that may include the recall of 270,000 vehicles worldwide.

The sedans may also have excessive engine noise, Toyota said.

Of the 270,000 vehicles, about 137,000 are in the United States. Canadian autos are also involved, but no figure was given for Canada.

tallman1

one Toyota and seven Lexus models for possible engine stalling while driving

Perfect! Now put whatever is causing the engine to stall in those runaway Toyotas/Lexi and two problems solved!!

houdini1

Most of you guys would be shocked to know what your overall average speed for the life of your car is. I have a 2006 Lexus LS 430 that has a shade over 50,000 miles on the clock and a big V8 with lots of power.

I live in an urban area so a lot of my driving is low speed but I have always figured my driving is split 50/50 city and hwy. We probably average one long trip per month, say 500 miles. The cars computer has a setting to show your average speed and I have never reset it. Over the 50,000 miles my average speed is 35 mph. Shocking. I think sitting still in traffic and at stop lights, etc. wreaks havoc with your average mph !

My wife has a big V8 SUV that she probably drives 7,000 miles per year. Her computer shows an average speed of 19 mph. Hardly ever any long trips. Let's face it folks, we are a wasteful society, especially when it comes to cars.

driver100

one Toyota and seven Lexus models for possible engine stalling while driving

Lol, A good idea actually.

I kind of wondered about this line from the article too;
No accidents or injuries have been reported, Toyota said, related to the stalling issue. Toyota said that in rare cases, the stall may occur while the sedans are being driven.

Don't engines usually stall when the car is being driven? The rest of the time they are off anyway, aren't they?

imidazol97

>try to defy the laws of physics by TRYING to put two objects in the same space at the same time.

Actually they were trying to apply an Einstein rule that if you're traveling faster, you become smaller proportionately. Therefore, if both traveled fast enough they might have each shrunk enough to fit through together. (I realize that is a bastardization of the actual theory of relativity, but give me some room here. :confuse: )

tallman1

Toyota said that in rare cases, the stall may occur while the sedans are being driven.

Too funny. My car is stalled right now while it sits in the garage.

Perhaps Toyota was trying to say "while the car is moving" as opposed to stalling while sitting at a stop light. Let's hope so anyway.

imidazol97

Better to stall than have runaway acceleration.

Kirstie_H

I'd say it depends on where you are when it happens. Runaway acceleration isn't as dangerous in free-flowing traffic on an interstate as, I'd argue, sudden stalling.

driver100

. Runaway acceleration isn't as dangerous in free-flowing traffic on an interstate as, I'd argue, sudden stalling

That is true! This car just stopped for some ducks that were crossing on the highway. Although she braked, the same result could have happened from a stall.
At least 3 lessons here;
1) No one is that good a driver they can react properly every time.
2) The more control you have with your car, the better your odds
3) These motorcyclists did have helmets on, and it didn't save them, but their odds in a case like this, would have been worse I would have to think, without a helmet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

CANDIAC, Que. – A 16-year-old girl and her 59-year-old father were killed when their motorcycle collided with the car of a woman who had stopped to allow ducks to cross a highway.

The driver involved in a fatal accident on a highway south of Montreal Sunday could face two charges of criminal negligence causing death. Quebec law prohibits stopping a vehicle on a highway.

The accident occurred around 7:20 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 30 and Highway 15 on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River.

The mother of the girl and spouse of the man driving the motorcycle were riding on another motorcycle and witnessed the tragic incident.

“The woman was arrested Sunday night and released,” said police spokesman Ronald McInnis. “We have completed our investigation and have handed the case over to the Crown prosecutor who will decide if charges are laid

jipster

. Quebec law prohibits stopping a vehicle on a highway

Highways and interstates are often at a standstill due to traffic or accidents. Good rule of thumb is to approach these situations at a reduced rate of speed, so individual cars behind you can respond accordingly. If you're stopped due to traffic, keep an eye on your mirror is case the driver coming up behind you at 70mph isn't paying attention... maybe leave enough room between your car and the one in front of you as an escape route. Slow or stopped traffic on highways and interstates seems to be the cause of a lot of accidents.

sterlingdog

"...make a day trip out of it."

My idea of a day trip does not include sitting in the showroom of a car dealership.

"Oil changes every 15k miles..."

No matter what kind of car I owned, I would never wait for an oil change at 15k.

"Doesn't your house reach saturation point some time?"

Not when you rotate items out of it. I sold 21 antiques last year. I purchased 11.

"...take old ones to the Salvation Army?"

Though the Salvation Army is my favorite charity, I am not ready to give them a $10,000 chest or a $5,000 chair.

"Get a U-Haul for the day."

For one chest? For two chairs?

What was that nickname that I gave you a couple of months ago? :P

Richard

sterlingdog

"Yes, it is really easy to mix up 'the service department' with 'military service', especially when one is a wordsmith."

The post did not say "service department". The post said that he had "gone into service". What would the average person think?

Richard

sterlingdog

Too bad that the HP doesn't take "overall average speed" into consideration when they stop you. :P

Richard

jmonroe

All it takes really is one idiot. You're the engineer, so you should realize that more than any one. Lets say you were driving one of these cars up to the toll booth, and another driver decides he wants to use your toll booth. You might need good brakes, steering and handling to avoid the idiot in the other car, or a driver in the other lane.

I agree that there are plenty of idiots out there but I know people don't have to be in my field to know how to drive. Using what's between your ears should be your first course of action. Then you can rely on the mechanicals of the car.

Isn't it amazing how many people are in multiple accidents and you hear them saying, "I had the right of way and this jerk pulled right out in front of me". When I taught my sons how to drive, the first things I told them were to THINK and be paranoid. It's not such a novel thing to do, really.

jmonroe

houdini1

I will give that a try next time.

The last time I got stopped was just about this time of year 2 years ago. I was kind of on a back road, but in the city limits of a small outlying town. The road had lots of twists and turns and a lot of overhanging trees. I came around a corner and a local cop was standing in the middle of the road with his radar gun and motioned me to pull over.

I had just seen a speed limit sign, 25 mph. The officer ambled over, gave me that stare and asked for my DL. He looked it over and then asked me how fast I was going. I promptly said about 35 mph. He sort of took a step back, then grinned and said, OK, I am just going to give you a warning this time, but if you had said 25 mph and argued with me I would be writing you a ticket right now !!

This was one time it paid to be honest. Whew!!

snakeweasel

A Smart Car or a Honda Fit obviously won't be able to do it.

I heard that they made a minor change with the Smart car that makes it go real fast, they started installing Toyota gas pedals.

Ducking and running

verdugo

try to defy the laws of physics by TRYING to put two objects in the same space at the same time.

See that fine local education that he was talking about paid off! Go CMU! :shades:

jmonroe

Actually they were trying to apply an Einstein rule that if you're traveling faster, you become smaller proportionately. Therefore, if both traveled fast enough they might have each shrunk enough to fit through together. (I realize that is a bastardization of the actual theory of relativity, but give me some room here.

'imid'...at least you admit to stretching his theory but if he were around to read your post, he'd smack you silly. :sick:

jmonroe

driver100

What was that nickname that I gave you a couple of months ago?

Ah, Mr. Helpful? or was it Mr Smart A--? It was one or the other.

I love your answers though. I somehow don't see an MB in your future.

driver100

When I taught my sons how to drive, the first things I told them were to THINK and be paranoid.

My brother gave me a good rule to go by, and it has saved me many times.

"Think of the worst thing the guy in front of you can possible do, then, be prepared, because he will probably do it".

It has happened several times.

Something else I keep in mind is if you ask people if they are much better than average drivers, 80% of them will say they are. That just doesn't match with the number...only 50% are better than average.

mako1a

Too bad that the HP doesn't take "overall average speed" into consideration when they stop you.

My wife was playing with the Garmin after a trip I took. She found where it listed highest speed. She said "says here were you going 93 MPH?" I said it must have been that long downhill stretch in W. Va. I had no idea it had that feature.