Stories from the Sales Frontlines

jmonroe

Just had a (minor) heart attack and shouldn't upset myself.

Hope you are back to normal very soon.

FWIW, you have a hell of a knack for when to return to this calm site.

jmonroe

isellhondas

Ditto. Just listen to your doctor!

sterlingdog

I knew that I would be hearing from you. I agree and I promise to stop. Thanks for your patience.

I can't earn a gold star just now, but I want to try for a silver star. I need to answer one more post on stamped concrete. :P Come on now. At least driveways relate to cars. :shades:

Richard

fezo

Just a minor heart attack.....

There's a line for you. That said I've had a series of minor strokes (back 8 plus years ago) so indeed you can have such matters be minor. In my case they figured out what caused it (8 months after the fact!) and that part is under control.

I'd like to buy a car and get this thing back into that but I'm officially not doing anything like that for at least a year. Don't quote me on that.

driver100

. Just had a (minor) heart attack and shouldn't upset myself.

GG, all the best for a speedy recovery....we'll be waiting to hear from you when you are ready to come back.

sterlingdog

I apologize for not answering your post sooner. I got side tracked with another poster who shall remain nameless.

I don't possess the technical skills to post pictures of the finished product. As an alternative, here is the web site of the company that installed ours: www.gentryconcrete.com. Click on "Stamped Concrete" and then click on "Design Colors" and "Design Patterns". Hopefully, that will help. Our walkway is really pretty. It was like watching artists at work. It is all done by hand in several stages of different colors. After two days, your chosen color and pattern begins to appear. One more day and it is complete. We were fascinated by the process.

As for the "bluestone, larger pieces", it is pieces of stone about the size of a quarter in various shapes. The pieces are a bluish gray color. They pour a hot layer of asphalt, and then spread the stone over it. This keeps the stone in place. We put a 12 foot ribbon of asphalt at the bottom of the drive so that turning in or out of the drive at a 45 degree angle won't wear away at the stone. It works very well.

Hope this helps.

Richard

driver100

. Let's just drop the patriotism, freedom, national anthem etc. discussion - now. We insist

But, isn't it our constitutional right to.........blah blah blah, you know where I am going.

Just joking, let's have a real sales story.

I had to dig deep to have this one. 3 years ago our IT guy did a lot of research and he bought a used Accord. It has been a great car, in fact, he didn't make any claims and he got $2500 back from the extended warranty. I was surprised they would actually honor that part of the warranty. He did have to remember the date, submit all the proper paperwork etc., but I do wonder how many people remember to claim it.

Also, the temperature here has been around 96 lately and since he is an environmentalist as well as a minimalist, he didn't get air conditioning. He is very sorry, and he will not do it again. That is why I say, spend the extra 2 grand or more, and get what you want. it will probably cost less in the long run, and you will enjoy it more while you have it.

That's why I would get a MB GLX if I could swing it over a Jeep, even if I have to drive for an hour once a year for servicing :P

driver100

www.gentryconcrete.com

I checked it out and those stamped concrete driveways are amazing. Just a few questions.
* How does the price compare to asphalt?
* How long does it hold up and what happens when it deteriorates?
* Is there a serious downside?
* Guess I would have to see if it works in snow and ice.

It changes a boring driveway into a thing of beauty. Looks like it can be used in a lot of places too.

explorerx4

i have been a Bruin's fan for most of my life. Took time off to support the Whaler's but they are gone.
The Canadian Anthem is a very inspirational song and I have heard it sung many times by this guy: Rene Rencourt

driver100

i have been a Bruin's fan for most of my life.

Most of our extended family are Bruins fans too. Our son in law actually flies down for a game in Boston about once a year. That is being very loyal...or just crazy!

When we go to Florida it is always fun to watch a game in Tampa. Tickets for a game in Toronto if you can get them are $200 or $300 or more! In Tampa you can get them for less than $20 outside the door, and parking is $10 across the road.
That's the way to do it!

jmonroe

* How does the price compare to asphalt?

Gee, look who's asking about what something costs. For a couple of cents more per day, concrete is the only way to go. Asphalt is always the economical choice and looks good initially but it will never outlast a properly installed concrete driveway. There are very few asphalt driveways in my neighborhood and everyone who has one is sorry they have it even though all but 2 inherited these when they moved in.

The guy across the street inherited his asphalt driveway and can’t wait till it falls apart (and it’s well on its way) so he can get a concrete replacement. He says next spring it will be replaced.

I’ve seen the stamped concrete and I think they look great and wouldn’t mind having one but my inherited concrete driveway shows no signs of giving up. It’s at least 31 years old according to my next door neighbor who is the original owner of his house and knows the history of the neighborhood (mid ‘70s).

You oughta stick by you’re philosophy and pay more upfront because it’s cheaper in the end and I have done nothing with my driveway other than blow the snow from it in the winter.

jmonroe

sterlingdog

That was a nice try, but you can't get to me through Tidester. I know all of your tricks better than any poster.

Richard

sterlingdog

You are just too much of a riot! Here's a guy who wants me to invest in a GLK and constantly harps on paying more to enjoy life. Now he is worried about the difference in price between stamped concrete and asphalt. Heaven help me! Read jmonroe's post. He answered it beautifully.

To answer one of your questions: The stamped concrete drive will cost you more than the asphalt, but consider the finished product that you saw on the web site. My 60' x 5' walkway was $2,025.00. Since my driveway is 120' x 25' plus a parking pad for two cars, we decided to go with the stone. The stone was $4,100. The asphalt would have been $6,000 and not nearly as pretty. The stamped concrete drive would have been closer to $10,000.

You asked how long it would last. Let me put it this way. You and I won't live to see it deteriorate. As jmonroe said, 30+ years and counting.

Richard

tidester

That's close enough to a frontlines story so you get the coveted gold star!


tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

stickguy

since you asked. Unfortunately, not my car though.

mentioned the other day my BIL replaced his wifes yukon with a new 535 BMW. Nice car, but I was surprised to see her move down to something smaller (causing quite the dilemma about how to get everything to the beach this year! Looks like the bikes are staying home. Yet I digress).

anyway, this was not a need purchase. I forget the exact year of the Yukon. Maybe a 2006 or 2007? Pretty sure it was the first year of the new body style.

so, wife wants the BMW (he has a 550 stick that she cant drive). So, he does some online research, to find what is around. And that they are going pretty cheap, with 5K rebates on top (new model due out soon). Calls the dealer to discuss, and they only have 2 on the lot, but they weren't quite right. So, he tells them about the one about 50-100 miles away. Turns out they can get that one for him no problem.

so, he has his GG plan all set. Tells them his offer (invoice minus the rebate I think, something like that. strong but doable). And my favorite part, he tells the guy that it is a "yes or no" question.

salesguy puts him on hold, talks to SM, and comes back to tell him to come on down and pick up his new car. So far, easy peasy. But, what about the trade?

So, he trundles down to the BMW store the next day with the tahoe. Being a fanatic, it looked like new. Lowish miles too (maybe 30 something K?) A loaded up Yukon Denali. SWB.

gets there with a price in mind. He was figuring they would offer him 30K, but he was all set to hold out for 31K or no deal. UCM looks it over, and comments that it is super clean, but of course they were going to wholesale it (but also said these beasts were hot right now). So, goes away to powwow, and comes back at 32k first offer! Needless to say, my BIL was happy, so he decided to see how far they would go. Put on the grumpy act, saying it wasn't what he was expecting (true, in a way!). So he asks for 33K.

Another conference, and they come back saying they don't want to lose a deal over $500, and bump to 32.5K. Which he was happy to take. dealer never did know that he would have been fine with 31K , but their loss!

wife does like driving the new 535 though.

stickguy

I want a star too!

tidester

You weren't first but you are deserving.



tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

roadburner

wife does like driving the new 535 though.

I drove a new 535i just last week. The turbo six is more than adequate- even when mated to a slushbox. The exterior and interior styling is a vast improvement over its predecessor. That said, the sled is just too big and heavy to suit me- and the steering is lacking in feel. Badly. The steering has more in common with my Wrangler than it does with my 318ti or 2002...

sterlingdog

I want a silver star for my series of posts on driveways. Cars have to have driveways.

Richard

imidazol97

>Just had a (minor) heart attack

I'm very sorry to read that you've had a health problem. Follow the doctor's suggestions and don't hesitate to seek another medical opinion. Best of luck in the recovery and prevention.

graphicguy

Thanks, all!. Appreciate it. Opened my eyes. Changed my view of life, too.

graphicguy

stickguy...I like that story. Blow in, blow out, even with a trade...easy-peasy. Nice money on that Yukon. The Denali is almost a clone of the Escalade.

Those big 4X4s are making a bit of a comeback. The market was still a little soft when I traded my Tahoe ('07 was the first year of the new gen of big GM SUVs....Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade).

535 is a nice car, too. For awhile, someone here mentioned they were going for $10K off MSRP with the all new '11s coming out. There are still a few '10s languishing on dealers lots around SW OH.

nyccarguy

graphicguy - I hope you are feeling better! I wish you a healthy & speedy recovery.

jmonroe

Changed my view of life, too.

I have a way for you to know how you’re progressing which in a way could help your “view of life”.

A while back I hurt my right knee. I don’t know what I did, probably rolled over in my sleep wrong. Anyway, I think it’s about back to normal and I’m looking for someone to pick on. So what do you say to race around the block? :surprise:

jmonroe

jmonroe

I asked Mrs. jmonroe to take her ’05 XG 350 into the tire shop to get the tires re-balanced and rotated. These tires have less than 20K on them but they were do for their re-balance and rotation as part of the lifetime balancing I purchased when I bought these tires in November of 2007. I told her that I wanted the alignment checked and to be prepared to pay at least $60 for that service.

The car comes off the rack before she had a chance to get into the second chapter of the book she took and she asked the guy about the alignment and he said, “It’s fine. Save your money for when you buy new tires and stay away from the pot holes like you're doing and we’ll see you in a couple of years”. Now I ask you…when is the last time you were told you didn’t need an alignment when you asked to have it checked?

I should be happy about this, right? Nah, she said since she was doing such a great job of not hitting pot holes she deserved that alignment money for some dress shopping! :mad:

jmonroe

sterlingdog

Mrs. Jmonroe is a remarkable lady. She's always a step ahead of you. You really did need a wife like her.

Richard

driver100

Gee, look who's asking about what something costs. For a couple of cents more per day, concrete is the only way to go.

Sounds like it will cost about double but will last at least 3X as long...as so kindly pointed out by Richard, longer than I'll be driving or probably living!

Excellent advice. The plan now is we will let the asphalt driveway go, it is in excellent shape and is only 3 years old, and when it goes we will replace it with stamped concrete. $10,000 Divided by 30 years is only $350 a year!

driver100

That was a nice try, but you can't get to me through Tidester.

Can't blame me for trying. I get a commission on each convert I can make, extra when it is a Tea Party member.

driver100

That's close enough to a frontlines story so you get the coveted gold star!

Thank you, my Gold Star is much appreciated. Maybe it can be like a "Get out of Jail" card, in case I veer to the dark side again.

I think the 2nd place star should have been smaller.

Maybe Richards 3rd place star should be really small....driveways and the sales frontlines are a bit of a stretch.

driver100

and bump to 32.5K. Which he was happy to take. dealer never did know that he would have been fine with 31K , but their loss!
wife does like driving the new 535 though

Great story and a very happy ending. I guess sometimes dealers can be more than fair. I think Tidester should give you a star too.

When I read on I see you got a star...congratulations, very nice!

driver100

and the steering is lacking in feel. Badly. The steering has more in common with my Wrangler than it does with my 318ti or 2002...

I am surprised. Any reviews I have read say the new 5 Series is really special. You might be doing too much racing. Or, maybe people who would buy a 5 want more plush and easy steering. That said, I just don't like my cars to be that big, so I would prefer a 3 Series anytime....and I know it has wonderful "feel of the road".

tidester

Maybe it can be like a "Get out of Jail" card, in case I veer to the dark side again.

LoL. Sorry, it doesn't work that way.

Maybe Richards 3rd place star should be really small....driveways and the sales frontlines are a bit of a stretch.

He might have gotten one if the driveway were at a dealership. :P

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

driver100

when is the last time you were told you didn’t need an alignment when you asked to have it checked?

In 1984 with my 1981 Cutlass. They balanced the wheels and said save your money, the alignment is right on. But, I do give that garage a lot of credit for being honest. Maybe your wife is just so nice that they were extra nice to her. Maybe she should take your cars in for servicing and repairs from now on. She has better luck than you do...they seem to forget to put the oil plug back in your car if I recall correctly (maybe on purpose).

driver100

He might have gotten one if the driveway were at a dealership

That's not a bad idea! Dealerships could offer a new driveway when you purchase a new car from them. What a great promotion!

houdini1

GG, I hope you are getting along well.

I have always heard that if the first one does not kill you, you are good to go for another 50 or 60 years ! Apparently the lucky ones who get past the first one see the light, educate themselves, make some lifestyle changes, and the whole experience ends up being very positive for them.

Welcome back !

houdini1

I just read a comparo between the brand new 2011 BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M37, and the Audi A6. The BMW came in last. The problem was steering feel. C&D did not like the new electric power steering.

snakeweasel

Sounds like it will cost about double but will last at least 3X as long.

I am not to sure about that. My subdivision is only 8-9 years old and many of the concert driveways are showing signs of pitting on the surface. Few, if any, of the asphalt driveways are showing any signs of deterioration. With proper care ($20 for sealant every few years) an asphalt driveway will last a long time. I know of at least one thats going on 25 years with no signs of deterioration.

jayrider

Since most folks don't have the kind of spidey sense that CD reviewers are paid to posess, I doubt that the steering is much of an issue. If I could justify paying the price for any of the above, steering feel would never register on my frazzed out, atrophied nervous system. Seats, visibility,engine response, looks and trunk would blot out most everything else. I'm sure I'd be well pleased with any of them but Ive got better things to invest my pension in like grandkids.

houdini1

I agree with you. C&D and I certainly do not have the same criteria as to what makes a great car. They even said that the BMW was the best highway cruiser and tracked better than the other two. How bad could the steering be?

jayrider

If you don't pick nits as an auto reviewer you won't have anything to write and soon no job.

explorerx4

'Graph, hope you'll be back up to 110% soon.
You certainly have had an eventful last couple of years.
So are you thinking of trading the SH-AWD TL for a nice cushy stress relieving Buick Lucerne or Grand Marquis?

boomchek

GG Hope you get better soon. Maybe some time relaxing on Edmunds forums might help? :P

kyfdx

Or... we could just go get a beer!

driver100

The BMW came in last. The problem was steering feel. C&D did not like the new electric power steering.

Seems a lot depends on who is doing the reviewing. Check out Car Connection:
Fortunately, all of our worries—and most of the worries we can think of for BMW’s enthusiast base—are for naught. First off, the steering in the new BMW 5-Series is the best you’ll find in a sedan its size; it’s one of the best systems yet—with a great, natural feel on center and plenty of road feel in tight corners. There’s none of the disconnected, ‘digital’ feel that’s present in some other electric power steering systems.
test drive 2011 5 Series

And this summary from Edmunds sums it up:
This aside, however, the latest 5 is utterly brilliant. Sportier than the Mercedes E-Class, cleaner-looking inside than an Audi A6 and roomier than a Jaguar XF, the 2011 BMW 5 Series continues to be one of the best vehicles you can drive, period
Edmunds 2011 5 Series

So, I think it depends on the reviewer and what he ate for breakfast and maybe whether he had an arguement with his wife that morning.

sterlingdog

"...driveways and the sales frontlines are a bit of a stretch."

Not nearly as much of a stretch as Dick & Jane books, dishwashers, baseball, trips to Europe, salesmen's wardrobes, and the weather. :surprise:

Traitor! I'll remember this when you want to come down in February for BBQ'ed ribs and chocolate brownies.

Richard

sterlingdog

I noticed that you left out "smaller trunk than its rivals, a bit bulky on tight roads, and no all-wheel drive availability." It's not just who reviews it; it's how they write it up. :shades:

Richard

roadburner

Now I ask you…when is the last time you were told you didn’t need an alignment when you asked to have it checked?

At my BMW dealer- about 18 months ago. I asked about an alignment for the X3 and my service adviser examined all four tires and told me that he didn't think an alignment was necessary.

roadburner

GG Hope you get better soon.

Agreed!

snakeweasel

I hope everything is ok and that you make a speedy and full recovery.

driver100

Not nearly as much of a stretch as Dick & Jane books, dishwashers, baseball, trips to Europe, salesmen's wardrobes, and the weather.

Hey, I always mentioned what cars I saw when I went to Europe!