Stories from the Sales Frontlines

snakeweasel

That dealership is gone. I think it was a victim of Obamas dealership closings but not sure.

snakeweasel

That dealership is gone. I think it was a victim of Obamas dealership closings but not sure.

mako1a

While waiting for the Z-28 money to be finalized, I stopped by the Ford store.
Just passing by mind you (it's 70 miles away). I read in Car and Driver that the 2011 V-6 Mustang had 300 HP and I just had to check it out.

I was NOT asked for a deposit or a signature, just my license copy. Salesman saw my comps and said "if we can match this will you buy" to which I replied, "probably".

Not much hoopla in Roanoke, Va about a simple test drive. He put on mag-tag and handed me the keys. Said, Please park in front so I can see when you're back. No problem. Fuel gauge said 40 miles to empty so how far could I go anyway.

I was definitely impressed. The 2011's all have the new 6 speed A/T which worked nicely. Not as edgy at takeoff as previous years, but lots more power mid range.
And the stereo, ahhh. Finally a sound system I can hear!!! Yesss. (unlike the Avalon where volume 30 and I can almost tell what song it is). And that was the no frills base stereo. Wow.
More to come...

jipster

He drove off happy as could be with the top down (as expected)Tomorrow I turn off insurance and return plates to DMV.

What's proper procedure on that? He drove away without a lisence plate. I would guess if he got pulled over by the cops he could get a ticket.

And you're suppose to turn in your old plates to the DMV? oops. (insert cherry cheeked emotorcon here):

Congrats on getting your price.

snakeweasel

Back in the early 80's I had a early 70's Camaro. It had a 4 speed manual where 2nd was totally shot and you had to hold it in 3rd. But for the couple of hundred I paid for it it was ok, especially since I was living in a rural area where I did 80% of my driving in 4th.

If you are not careful the A/C in the Saturn will cause another Ice age, I have never used the A/C in the Sebring (always have the top down when its over 50 and not raining). The kid reports that the A/C in the Accent isn't working but knowing the age of the car it could very well just need an A/C charge.

tidester

I should get a pro-rated refund.

We don't want any dissatisfied customers so we're issuing you a full refund. :P

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

mako1a

I returned the Mustang as requested. Waited for the salesman as he was busy with another customer. When he came back to me I asked if he had one close to that for our agreed price. He did not, but printed a copy of one he could trade for. Fine.

No trade was mentioned and I never gave it a second thought as I was driving my old van. Should be a simple trade, right? I already did an Edmunds trade value. It's a 2002 GMC cargo van with AWD and hi miles. With an honest evaluation it came to $2500 trade-in. No big deal to me. Well...they said since they're not making anything off the Mustang my trade would be $1500.

Stop the presses. I don't mind a little horse trading, but there is no way I'm giving the van away. I just put new tires on it and it was full of gas (as if that matters).
That van is the kind of vehicle I don't even need ebay assistance to sell. Just a front yard sign saying AWD and that is as good as sold. Especially since last winter was the snow that wouldn't go away.

Now the gears are turning... Sell the van myself. Maybe trade the Avalon.
Why not go all the way and get the V-8 Mustang with the Shaker 1000.

Maybe I need to rethink all of this. Selling the Camaro (the hard part) is done.
Now I need to rethink my position. Especially since my wife asked a question in her matter of fact way...Why do you want another car when you have a new Toyota in the garage you never drive? Sometimes she says the most profound things, for which I have no answer. I thought it best not to say because I like Mustang stereos better.

sterlingdog

I really see no need for 4WD or AWD. As a rule, we have mild weather year around and our roads are mostly flat and well maintained. Also, I'm not the off-the-road type. Why spend another $1K for something that I don't need. In addition, they both cut down on overall gas mileage. If the car that I want comes with either, I won't argue. I'm just not going to add it as an option to my list.

As for load height, I just want the power lift gate. The height itself should be fine. Step height? I'm trying to ignore that issue. My wife noticed that I have begun to back into the Explorer seat rather than lifting my leg. I can manage it; especially on days that I use the cane. I refuse to let the step height prevent me from purchasing what we want.

Richard

mako1a

What's proper procedure on that? He drove away without a lisence plate. I would guess if he got pulled over by the cops he could get a ticket.

He had plates from his other vehicle and a signed title. I'm sure he had no trouble getting home. Both of our wives were there to drive home in the other cars.

Here we turn in plates for a refund for the unused months if there is no vehicle to transfer them to.

sterlingdog

"Usually doing a page refresh brings the emotorcons back."

That reminds me of the PBS series "Are You Being Served?"

Customer: "These sleeves seem too long."

Salesman: "Don't worry. They'll ride up with wear." :P

Richard

stickguy

I know the tahoe is really up there. make sure to get at least running boards.

stickguy

Obviously you want to keep it a secret, which is certainly your prerogative (big of me, I know).

But if you don't mind telling, why is it being kept a mystery? I just can't seem to come up with a good reason, unless it is to yank a few chains!

sterlingdog

"I have never used the A/C in the Sebring..."

Don't worry. If you need it, it works great. With so many 100+ degree days this summer, I've had to leave the top up. The A/C is so cold that I never have to turn it on full blast. After 18 months of ownership, I'm still a happy camper.

Richard

sterlingdog

Glad you posted. I called my Ford dealer today to check on the delivery date of the new Explorers. I had it mixed up. Production begins in October. Delivery will be in December. Seems like bad timing to me. A newly designed car hits the showrooms in December? I would think that people would be too preoccupied with the holidays to pay much attention to new cars. Perhaps the salesmen here know better.

As for the mystery car, I wanted to wait until we made a definite decision because I think that it will cause an explosion of expression when I name it---especially from one regular poster who will have to be taken to the hospital. Since you were here when I arrived on the scene, you'll fully understand when you see the post. If we purchase the vehicle, I'll have to eat crow every day for ten years.

Richard

deltheking

I think it`s the Toyota Sequoia !! :shades:

mako1a

My guess would be the Scion XB (since he's being so secretive).

stickguy

it is either a 4runner, one of the Lexus beast derivatives, or a Caddy SRX. Or G.F., an escalade.

has to be a caddy or a Yota of some kind.

murphydog

Dang it, there are sooo many posts here that I often have to skim to catch up...Richard were you the one who had the Lemon Caddy? Are you now looking at the new little Caddy crossover - SRX I think? Or are you going full Escalade?

murphydog

Looked at the new GX shortly after driving a 4Runner. did not care for the exterior styling too much, but the interior was fabulous! :shades:

snakeweasel

Well I have had it in 100+ degree weather and had the top down. Once you get going its not that bad.

Plus I have always been a fan of 4/60 A/C.

michaellno

As for the mystery car, I wanted to wait until we made a definite decision because I think that it will cause an explosion of expression when I name it---especially from one regular poster who will have to be taken to the hospital.

Hello? C'mon, guys, this is easy.

The mystery car is either a Santa Fe, Veracruz or Sorrento, and jmonroe will need first responders in the 'burgh.

stickguy

but he implied prior issues (and I honestly don't recall richard ragging on the Hyundia crowd).

I thought of the Veracruz (I liked it a lot), but it may be too round or small. I know that the santa fe will be too small, and for sure the Sorrento.

sterlingdog

You're right. I have never ragged the Hyundia crowd. They are very nice cars for the money.

Richard

deltheking

I have the `05 Lexus GX SUV - boy , I absolutely love it. Big and comfortable ,huge interior space and the cabin is true luxury fully loaded with every available option -Navi,Dynamic Cruise,multiple suspension and drive settings etc.. The cabin is so luxurious with top notch materials and fit and finish. I love the wood trim panels and the wooden steering wheel. Plus ,you get the bullet proof Lexus reliability !! :P

And the ride -- well ,Lexus like!! Very quiet,serene ,plush and comfy !! A sofa on wheels with no road or steering feedback !!

driver100

especially from one regular poster who will have to be taken to the hospital. Since you were here when I arrived on the scene, you'll fully understand when you see the post. If we purchase the vehicle, I'll have to eat crow every day for ten years.

Don't worry, I will never say I told you so.

sterlingdog

You just knew that it was you, didn't you? oOo (Since Edmunds is too cheap to fix the emotorcons, this is my homemade symbol for the blush.)

Richard

driver100

You just knew that it was you, didn't you?

If you are serious (I only said it was the GLK half jokingly, because I truly am surprised) I give you a lot of credit for just looking into it. Good luck, and if nothing else, it will be a great experience for you.

tjc78

Finally a sound system I can hear!!! Yesss. (unlike the Avalon where volume 30 and I can almost tell what song it is).

Does yours have the JBL? Mine did and at 30 the car was shaking and everyone knew what song was on.

lemko

Oh, I bet the Grand Marquis is going to be very popular on used car lots now that you can no longer buy a new one. Heck, those big cars are getting popular with the young people nowadays. I had a young co-worker come up to me and say, "Wow, I didn't know you had one of them! I really like those Maquises!"

imidazol97

>Since you were here when I arrived on the scene, you'll fully understand when you see the post. If we purchase the vehicle, I'll have to eat crow every day for ten years.


"I know! I know! I know!" says the student in the first row waving his hand for the teacher's attention... :P

tjc78

Heck, those big cars are getting popular with the young people nowadays

I had one at 17!.... There are entire forums dedicated to the Panther platform. There are people that love these cars. Many of them mod them, others keep them stock. I am just happy there are people that care for the old "boats" as someday they will be no longer. The only good thing is they made thousands of them and parts aren't too much of a problem.

driver100

Especially since my wife asked a question in her matter of fact way...Why do you want another car when you have a new Toyota in the garage you never drive? . I thought it best not to say because I like Mustang stereos better.

I think you need a new hobby. Have you considered stamp collecting?

The Mustang does sound like a blast though!

fezo

If one had to follow richard from the beginning to get the mystery car then it's a Toyota. Just a matter of which one.

jayrider

I like the escalade guess --- remember, Richard swore never to buy another cadillac. I'm throwing the bmw X5 into the mix. Maybe the ML350 although both may be a bit small.
Posters are asking why is Richard making this a big mystery ? Easy -- because he can.

mako1a

JBL stereo?
I have no idea, but it's a 2010 Avalon Limited.
I assume it has their best sound system installed.
(still no match for Mustang's base stereo).

mako1a

I think you need a new hobby. Have you considered stamp collecting?

No, but I am a gun collector.
Hey, wait a minute...hearing loss...shooting range...I see a pattern here.

tjc78

have no idea, but it's a 2010 Avalon Limited

You have the JBL, my 06 XLS had it. Look at the radio, it should say on a little plaque "JBL Synthesis". Things must have changed, my girlfriend had a Mustang (04) with the best available stereo and my Avalon blew it away. Hers had a little more bass, but the overall sound was better in the Avalon

houdini1

I always liked the old saying that you should never mud wrestle with a pig. You can't win, plus the pig enjoys it.

Actually I am only posting because somehow a couple of hundred posts went by while I wasn't looking. Then I got a private note from Richard wondering if I had passed on or finally gone to jail, so I am "shaking the bushes boss".

Kirstie_H

Richard et al, my comment was derived from a series of "public service messages" done by comedian Harry Enfield, called "Women: know your limits," which I find highly amusing. Should you have the time, it's worth going to youtube.com and searching "women know your limits" to watch a few... of course, out of the presence of your wives or girlfriends is best. (<--smiley emotorcon, for those who have them missing)

houdini1

Richard, I would have thought you knew that basic rule by now. Women hate trucks, men love trucks. VVVRROOOOOMMMM !!

Kirstie_H

Oh really....?

houdini1

OOPS !

Kirstie, you just reminded me of the song, "Big OL' Truck", by Toby Keith !

fezo

Then I got a private note from Richard wondering if I had passed on or finally gone to jail, so I am "shaking the bushes boss".

So did you pass on and are now posting from the above or below?

driver100

Reminds me of Yorkie Chocolate Bars in England - they are "Not For Girls".

sterlingdog

You have a good memory, and you're the first to think of it. I had wondered why no one had thought of it. Still, that's not it. I haven't looked at Toyotas and don't intend to do so. It wouldn't matter if they made my dream car of all time.

Richard

sterlingdog

Very good. We don't like for our students to stray too far from the playground.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Easy---because he can."

It's fun to play a mystery game for a short while. The guys are doing a great job of justifying their choices. Some of them have great memories. It's because they love cars as much as you and I do.

Richard

sterlingdog

"I know! I know! I know!"

It used to thrill me when my students did that.

Richard

deltheking

And,was this on some alien planet or what ?? Ya right-- Marquees getting popular with younger folks !! The Grand Marquis - it is what it is- does a good job for certain people-- but to say it is attracting younger folks nowadays --it`s similar to GM paying the loans back .Never happening!! :P

gogiboy

"When I was a child, it was the location of the out house."

My father told me that his grandparents had a summerkuche out back. Gee, all this German ancestry and yet I don't have a lick of interest in owning a BMW, Mercedes or Audi. I guess my VW ownership experience cured me of that. "People's car" my eye!

Gogiboy