Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,721
    the DTS can certainly be had as a lightly used CPO. Probably ex-rental though, but if cheap enough? why not.

    the older SRX would have to be a used model. Hard to believe any of those are still floating around new!

    I would imagine there are good deals and rebates on new ones also (particularly the DTS), especially leftovers.

    The CTS wagon is still probably pretty rare, so not huge discounts. And the SRX is actually a very good seller I think.

    hopefully they took care of the deal today, and we will be getting all the gory details soon.

    Or he ends up bying a Flex, and has to listen to his wife complain about it every day for the next 5 years.

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

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    if he gets the Ford, he can name it Genuflex.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Why all of the mystery?

    I for one, don't give a ratzass what he's looking at!

    :P
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    I for one, don't give a ratzass what he's looking at!

    LOL. I don't know much about any of the cars richard is considering, so I'm not freaking out about it like some of the others. I'm just hoping to get a good sales story out of it. I wish a pleasant buying experience for richard, but hope something unusual, interesting or dramatic happens to add spice to the tale. :)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    What time zone is Richard in anyway? Did he buy the car, and more importantly where is the sales story?!?!

    Had to log in and check this site 3 times today at work
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Did he buy the car, and more importantly where is the sales story?!?!

    Under the "Jipst Method" that he is probably using, he would have brought sack lunches for both lunch and dinner. So it may be awhile.

    He's probably fatigued with the drive and all (100 miles), so the story will probably be tomorrow morning around 10:05.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I'm awfully beat tonight, but I didn't want to keep those of you interested (not Isell) waiting any longer. I'll post about the mystery car first, and then tell what happened today in a separate post.

    It all started about three weeks ago when we stopped by the local GM dealer to try out the Traverse and the Terrain. We didn't care for the design of the Traverse, but liked the Terrain. As you know, we later decided that it was too small. It just so happens that this local GM dealer also sells Cadillacs. I walked over to the new SRX model just to look. They were small and ugly as hell. My wife made some silly comment about me buying a Cadillac. I laughed and commented about our Cadillac bumper falling off on Interstate 95 with two clients riding in the car. As we recalled the other horror stories of Cadillac ownership, we actually had the nice salesman bent double with laughter. At any rate, we thanked the salesman for his time and started toward our car. Suddenly, my wife exclaimed, "What's that?" and pointed toward a row of used cars. I told her that those were the original SRX designs. Without hesitation, she briskly walked over to three of them. I quickly walked over and told her to let's go or the salesman would come back. Too late. He appeared on the scene. My wife looked at him and said, "This design is pretty and the car is just the right size." To myself, I said that it really was a nice size and the LOOKS of it were fine. The salesman explained to my wife that one was an '09 and the other two were '08's. He offered to get the keys to the '09. I flatly said no thanks and that we had to go. Right out of the blue, my wife says, "Come on. It won't hurt to try it out." I nearly passed out. He brought the keys and offered them to me. I told him to give them to her. He did. Away we went. To make a long test drive short, she loved it. On the return trip, I caved in and drove it. It handled very well and had a comfortable ride with plenty of get up and go. Still, I was lukewarm. My wife wanted the '09 but it was the wrong color combination. The salesman said that he would try to find what she wanted---Gold Mist with Camel colored interior.

    As I began posting to you guys, I was hoping that she would change her mind. I started calling it the mystery car because I had recalled here my horror story about having owned a Cadillac. My choice was the Flex and I kept pushing it---to no avail. I nearly fell over one day when Driver posted that one thing was for sure: "Richard would never buy another Cadillac." Believe me when I say that I wouldn't have until this happened. If that's what she wanted, then I was going to live with it. Any hoo, the dealer called to say that he had found one 100 miles away. We offered to drive up and look at it. That was today.

    To Verdugo: You were the first one to hit the nail on the head---the original model that was bigger.

    To Stickguy: You knew the brand all along. You aren't homeless---yet.

    To Think: I always try to welcome new posters to our thread. I apologize but, when you named the Cadillac, I was trying not to respond to you. We're happy to see you here and hope that you will stay with us.

    To Jmonroe: I can sooooo identify with your experience having your wife present.

    To Fezo, Houdini, Bolivar, Murphydog, Driver, Jipster, Graphicguy, and others: I enjoyed all of your posts. I hope that you enjoyed the fun of figuring it all out as the days progressed.

    To the Hosts: At least we gave you a lot of posts that were car related. Hope you enjoyed the banter.

    Next: TODAY'S EXPERIENCE

    Richard
  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    I agree, the 2009 looks much better than the 2010. Can't wait to hear about your dealer experience.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,721
    I remember sitting in them when they came out, and was impressed. As long as you never try to actually use the 3rd row (if so equipped) to actually carry people. Unless they have no legs, and even then, it would not be nice to them.

    And for those worried about depreciation, at least that initial hit should be covered!

    as to Cadillac in general, they are generally just fine. You should got a lemon, and hey, what are the odds of getting 2 in a row.

    look at it this way. If they were all as bad as yours GM would be out of business by now!

    Lemko seems to have no problems with his too.

    And it has to drive nicer than an aging Explorer.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,721
    The 2009 was based on the CTS, right? so RWD biased, and on a bigger, more substantial platform. The new Equinox and clones are FWD malibu based units.

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I came up with a plan. We would drive the 100 miles to see the Cadillac SRX and then go an additional 50 miles to see the Flex. It turned out to be a full day. We arrived this morning for our appointment to see the SRX. The Internet Manager and the Sales Manager were very nice. As soon as they brought the car around front, my wife's facial expression said it all---wrong color. Instead of Gold Mist, it was Metallic Bronze. Instead of the Camel interior, it was Light Sandstone. Though disappointed, we did a short test drive. Like the other '09, it drove very well. The many options were nice. Most of the '09's are still out on lease or not ready to be traded. It is really tough to find one. The '08's are in good supply, but we didn't want to go back that far. They are now three years old. At any rate, we thanked the team for their trouble and departed.

    After a lunch break, we drove the next 50 miles to see the new Flex in the color combination that I liked..two tone silver and ivory with ivory interior. I did love it so. My wife tried to be nice, but I could tell that she just couldn't get excited about it. Also, I have to admit that it seemed awfully big. I've already bragged to you previously about how they drive, so I would bore you with additional comments. We just loved the Internet Manager and the dealership owner. She and the owner really rolled out the red carpet. It was a nice experience. We thanked them for giving us the appointment and departed.

    We stopped in Charlotte and had a nice dinner. Over dinner, we ruled out both cars. We didn't purchase a vehicle and don't know when we will. We're just burned out at this point. We're not buying a car to just be buying a car. We'll look again later and perhaps something will strike both of us that we really like. As for our trips at Thanksgiving and Christmas, we'll fly or rent or drive the convertible.

    I know that you're disappointed not to have had an exciting sales story. Hopefully, it will come in time. Thanks for the many suggestions and the valuable input. You're a great bunch of guys. I've been up since 6 AM, driven 300 miles, and experienced a fair amount of stress. Time to get some shut eye.

    Richard
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    To Verdugo: You were the first one to hit the nail on the head---the original model that was bigger.

    Congrats! I think my prize should be no dues for the next 5 years. :shades:

    BTW, what was the color?
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    See post above yours.

    Richard
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    We didn't purchase a vehicle and don't know when we will.

    I have to admit that I did not see that coming :sick:
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    Wow,That`s one of the biggest anti climaxes on these forums!! :P
    You must be pretty tired .. Bet,the sales people here will say-- if you were not sure or really not 100% ready to buy-- why go to dealers , test drive and even negotiate. Craig Isell will not be too thrilled at this turn of events.You wasted the salesman`s and the sales manager's time. You were what they say in the car business-- not a serious shopper. Just kidding. :shades:

    Just a query though. Why would you even consider a brand with which you had such horrible experience before? And it`s not like GM is really turning a new leaf over. They are better than before but that's not saying much unlike the competition . A great example is Hyundai-- they made really crappy cars but now they have really become competitive and upped the ante and did it in less than 20 years. So you could give Hyundai a second chance but I certainly would not not give Caddy another chance so soon with no appreciable improvement. ;)

    And how much was the SRX? But,it really kicked the frontlines sales forums into action. It was getting so off track with everything except cars getting discussed. And hopefully,by Christmas ,you will have a car buying story .. Or maybe ,like me ,it`s time to just buy the cars online from Ebay-- I know that`s never happening with you though !!! :surprise:

    Have a good night's sleep and keep the forum active as always !!!!
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Ah.

    If only Isell had given you a ratzass yesterday, you might have bought a car today.

    But I totally understand why you didn't buy a car.

    The first dealer 'misinformed' you about the auto's colors. I would not have bought this one either.

    The Flex - the wife's feelings bubble to the surface. And we all know these type wife feelings are not to be ignored.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,604
    Hi All, It is really too bad the car deal did not work out but I think these things are meant to be. You will find the exact car you want, and it will be better not to work under pressure. Besides, now you'll have time to try out a GLK...as per our deal (note to jimbres- or a Q5)

    We are in Naples Italy and plan to take the hydrofoyle to Sorrento and maybe Capri.
    We tend to go on our own rather than go with a costly tour...but in places like Turkey and Egypt we will go with the tour.

    This ship is fantastic. We are treated like royalty. Royal Carribean is much better than Norwegian.

    Thanks for the story Richard. I am not disappointed, everything is a learning experience and you are learning what you don't want. You will narrow it down and come out better for it.

    I am off for a few days...this is about 60 cents a minute but finding out about the Caddie was well worth it.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,172
    richard....you've obviously mastered the first rule in making a deal on a car. Don't fall in love with the vehicle. It's amazing to me the number of times I hear/see a neighbor/friend/colleague/family member how they bought a new car, and 6 months later want to get rid of it.

    "What? Didn't you notice the color/options/seats/ride/etc that you don't like when you test drove it?"

    That's a several thousand dollar mistake for the most part.

    Good luck in your search. And, although it doesn't mean a hill of beans, I'm secretly glad you didn't pull the trigger in the Caddy, given how you and I feel about them.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Hopefully, it will come in time.

    You're experienced enough to know that it WILL happen and when it does all of this aggravation will be forgotten when you find the right car and enjoy it for all the years that you have it.

    I've got to say that for a no purchase, you sure know how to get the interest flowing here. While you continue your search, please take into consideration that we have at least one poster here (not me but I know where he used to live) that is on meds. Although it's low dose now a prolonged search might change this. ;)

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Iwas fine righ t up until "Over dinner, we ruled out both cars. "

    Bzzzzt! I'm sorry. You lose. But we have some lovely parting gifts and the Sales Frontlines home game for you .......

    When your wife gets an itching for anothe mud or dog poop adventure she'll just have to borrow the Sebring....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Wow! I'm behind by almost 700 posts :( Altho I have managed to read the odd one here and there without logging in over the last few weeks. I knew that you had gone back to reconsidering the Flex, and i thought to myself Mrs. Richard is a real doll just to be reconsidering that for her man. :)

    Anyway, so while you are both tired at this point, it is always never a waste when you can rule a vehicle or two out, so it was still a big success in one way. Glad you got back home safe. Rest up.
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Jim, I see you subscribe to CR and deltheking reads it too. Would you mind looking up the last test they did of home-use blood pressure monitors for me and tell me which models they recommended as best meaning most accurate consistently? (bells and whistles not a priority unless they happen to be on the most accurate units) I'm only interested in the ones that are automatic and pump themselves up. And do they happen to say why people choose a cuff style over a wrist style or vice versa? I think some have like a preformed cuff of some sort and may be the most accurate but not sure.

    If it is a pain to check, don't worry...only if it is easy for ya. Thanks.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Leased my 09 murano in october of 08. Very nice ride -- leather- pano roof- awd-bose. My problem with leasing was that within a year, I was obsessing about what to buy next. I was also super concerned about any nicks, dents, or interior blemishes since the car wasn't really mine. I also felt it was too big for our needs -- my parking skills have deteriorated along with my golf game-so I decided on a compact hatchback and was going to test the waters re trading in the murano early. I multiplied my payments by 13 and added that to the residual in the lease. I figured if I could get 25k for it I'd essentially break even. I was willing to take a hit of up to 2k if necessary. I didn't call nissan for a payoff so this was the benchmark I was going with. After I made the deal, I found out I only owed 22500 so I was shocked to have 2500 in equity after getting the 25k allowance. If I had known the payoff was less, I'm sure I would have been willing to bend on the offer. Ignorance can be beneficial.
    What to buy --- short list came down to the jetta sportwagon [seats were too bolstered for my wide load -- no sale but I really liked it] Mazda3 hatchback was nice but too low and had issues getting in and out[still nice but no sale. If the Ford Focus or Honda Civic had hatchbacks would have bought one of them for sure -- especially the Civic. The crosstour was too big. I was also trying to stay at 25k so the audi A3 was off the list -- Really liked that one -- seats were fine but inventory is low around st. louis and the ones they have are msrping at 32-34k. Same thing with the BMW 328 wagon and infinity ex at 40k. Drove a hyundai elantra touring but the ride was too harsh and would have had to have after market leather installed so no sale there. Still nothing I felt met my needs and budget. One Sunday went out looking at the Toyota and Honda stores inventory to see if there might be something I might consider. The CRV's were nice but I really wasn't interested in another suv -- still have my Liberty. The Fit was ok but with the back seat up, there was not enough room for carco. It also just looked tiny and no leather. Still nice. As I walked the lot, my eye spotted an Insight and the size was perfect. Looked it over and was very interested -- hadn't considered a hybrid but the drivetrain wasn't an issue -- it was a compact hatchback and the price was right. Looked it over for a few minutes then walked over to the Toyota lot. The Scions might have worked but there was no leather and all the interiors were black. Deal breaker. The Venza was too big and I didn't like the look -- no Camry on the list either [liked the accord better]. Since I'd liked the Insight, figured I'd peruse the long line of Prius cars on the lot. Bingo ! There were a couple priced at 27k with leather and the interior was more to my liking than the Insight. It seemed a bit bigger as well. The hybrid drive train was no deal breaker. If they would have had a Corolla hatch i would have been fine with that but no such thing existed. If they would have offered the Prius with a Corolla engine, I'd have opted for that as well.
    So now I had a target car and an idea of my trade in value so home to do some research. Mixed reviews on the Prius driving experience -- the 2010 was revamped and improved so a test drive and walk around was next. My expectations were not great but it met my needs as it sat on the lot -- so it was worth checking out. I'm not a treehugger save the planet kind of guy so the eco aspect of hybrid ownership was a non issue. If the seats were comfy and it drove like the light weight hatchback it was, then it might fit the bill. If not, then I could wait until next year or spend another 8k on an A3 [very unlikely since awsome handling and high end interiors mean little to me]
    I've written enough for today-- will post the deal details and shopping experience tomorrow. Oh yeah, if you think you have a car I should have considered thanks but it's too late. :P
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,724
    edited September 2010
    The exterior color and interior colors he wants have codes that are on the parts stick probably on the spare tire cover in the Cadillac. Determine the code for the exterior color--WA316N may be the Gold Mist color and interior will have a code that's on that parts sticker.

    That makes contacting dealers easier by asking them to check that color code for the RPO equipment list.

    There's one Gold Mist 2009 up here in the North that Richard might find has the exterior color right, but the interior is named Cashmere, according to the Cadillac dealer who has it. I would expect Camel to be darker.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    Hi GTD,
    These are the CR recommended Arm Monitors. Wrist monitors are not recommended as they are inaccurate. :shades:

    ARM MONITORS ::Choose these for fit and accuracy. The price is followed by the model's performance score out of 100. All these are the recommended ones.

    Omron Women’s Advanced Elite 7300W - $100 :94
    Omron Premium HEM-780 - $110 :93
    CVS by Microlife Deluxe Advanced 344534/ Microlife Ultimate 3MC1-PC -$70 :92
    Microlife Deluxe Automatic BP3NA1-1X - $40 : 91
    Omron HEM-711AC - $100 :88
    ReliOn HEM-741CREL (Walmart) - $34 : 84

    Hope this helps. :D
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Richard, sounds like you are back to square one. I don't know if you have already ruled these two out, but from all you have said the Toyota 4-runner or the Honda Pilot sounds like they would be perfect for you and your wife

    You should at least drive these two...just to see what you have been missing.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    If you need one more BP monitor choice (this site will make you need one) Try a Panasonic EW3109. Available most anywhere and easiest to use (auto pump).

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Thank you deltheking! Very helpful info, appreciate it :thumbup:

    Interesting that the Microlife Deluxe Automatic BP3NA1-1X - $40 : 91
    is the lowest cost and very respectable performance score.

    I recognize 2 of those models. I am finding that they are not easily acquired in Canada for some reason. Well...you can get one but they charge about TWICE the cost thru Amazon in the USA. But Amazon doesn't ship many items like that here.

    I'll see if I can source that Microlife Deluxe Automatic BP3NA1-1X

    thanks again.
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    edited September 2010
    Ok will add it to my list thanks. Your comment hit a nail on the head in fact. I have a manual pump up unit that I was being too cheap when I chose it over the automatic. Made a mistake. But worse than that I think I should likely pay extra if need be for one with a preformed cuff as I realize that the cuff I have DOES literally raise my BP trying to put it on with one hand. The dang wire loop is exactly in the wrong place and tries to roll the cuff out of position before you get to wrap it. I end up having to try to pinch the dang thing against my rib cage and I must admit every single time I use it I want to rip it to shreds and take a hammer to the rest of it.

    I have been on BP meds, Ramipril, and HCTZ, but I now have a new problem with numbness and pain in my right arm as soon as I lay down. It started after I started doing more physical yard work around here pulling saplings and then cutting firewood. I have been trying to figure out if it is better if i go off the Ramipril. I did for 3 nights and seemed to be able to get at least some sleep. But I also quit working so not sure which is responsible. Tried the darn pill again last night but also cut grass yesterday and put in another terrible night. This getting old is for the birds..
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I followed Isell's advise and got a "buy bid" on the 2010 Avalon. Good move.

    I take my buy bid to the local Ford dealer along with price/specs on what I want in a Mustang. Ford dealer finds my car (in Georgia), agrees on price then calls Toyota dealer to confirm buy bid on Avalon and gets the run around from the Toyota dealer.

    Seems Toyota dealer will give me cash for my Avalon, but won't give it to another dealer. What's the difference? Am I supposed to hitch hike dealer to dealer? I'm growing weary of all this. And they wonder why car sales are in the dumper! I'm done trying to buy a new car. It's too much work!

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    For a few hundred bucks, your ford dealer can arrange to have your avalon driven to Georgia. Just add that to your deal and you have a new car.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I bought the Avalon from Ramey Toyota in West Virginia (35 miles from me). Same dealer that gave me the buy bid. Ford dealer is in Virginia (where I live). Mustang is in Georgia. Few hundred is not the problem...Toyota dealer won't give buy bid money to the Ford dealer. This car business is cut throat. And it's the customer that has to deal with all the bickering. It's like the Hatfields and the McCoys around here.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,172
    mako....could be a case where the Ford dealer who has the Mustang you want is trying to squeeze you on the trade amount. I'd make it a "take it or leave it" offer for the Ford dealer. Either make the deal with the trade money Toyota dealership is offering, or lose the deal entirely.

    See how they respond then.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,172
    mako....could be a case where the Ford dealer who has the Mustang you want is trying to squeeze you on the trade amount. I'd make it a "take it or leave it" offer for the Ford dealer. Either make the deal with the trade money Toyota dealership is offering, or lose the deal entirely.

    See how they respond then.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,895
    Richard,
    Sorry you were not able to buy a car. That Caddie dealer blew it.
    Were you planning on getting a CPO model?
    If not, why not work with your local dealer and have them try to find you one?
    It's not like you would be driving it the 100 miles to get it serviced at the dealer you almost bought from.
    You can always rent a car for your trips. Although more expensive, you won't have the time pressure of a car purchase.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Misunderstood the transaction. Just wait until the end of the month and try again. Those mustangs are in plentiful supply. your Avalon won't depreciate much in the next few months. Try again on Christmas/New Years eve.
    What is special about the mustang you want ?
    You probably stand a better chance by trading the Avalon directly to a Ford dealer. I'll post how I did my deal tomorrow -- may work for you and there was no bickering and aggravation but there was respectful negotiations.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I don't see any problems here that can't be worked out. The only problem I would be having is giving up that Avalon, probably at a hefty loss, for a mustang. :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited September 2010
    Not all dealers get along with each other. That Toyota dealer is being a jerk.

    Was it a real "buy bid" or a number he would give you if you bought a car from them?

    To Richard...Thank you for posting. Makes me happy I retired early.

    It's just amazing (to me) just how much pain some people will put into buying a car.

    It's a CAR. A simple means of transportation and you can't see the color when you're driving it!
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    I'm going to be very interested in what you may have to say about my deal. After all my research was done, my first contact with the selling dealer was on a thursday and the car was delivered on monday. I might add that while I was waiting for the f&i meeting some lady was out in front bitching up a storm. Seems her new Rav 4 was giving the staff a bit of a problem programming her cell phone into the trucks system.
    There were lots of customers in the showroom and outside while she screamed bloody murder for at least a half hour. All the sales reps were stressed out while she bad mouthed the dealer and Toyota. Even I was embarrassed and I had no stake in the fiasco. It gets better because after it was fixed she drove away but lord have mercy she was back in 10 minutes to say it stopped working. I hid in the customer lounge with the tv turned up and waited out another 10 minute rant. After she left, I put in an application for a sales job at the dealership. Still waiting to hear if I made the cut. ;)
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,895
    If you tell them you are a guru with bluetooth, you will probably get the job!
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Thank you for posting. Makes me happy I retired early."

    Sorry you feel that way. I'm not that type of customer and you damn well know it. I have tried to make appointments and be very courteous to the salesmen and the Internet Managers. I have to try out cars to see if they will do. It's part of the process.

    As for going through pain, I haven't been in pain. I have done a lot of research and tried to find what would make us happy.

    As for the color, it may not matter to you but it matters to us. Though I don't see the exterior while driving, I see it in my garage and where I park. I definitely see the interior color. Color is an emotional part of life. That's why people purchase furniture, cars, and clothes in various colors. It has to feel good to them. I'm certainly one of those people.

    It's a CAR? Yes, it is---the second most important investment next to a home. I intend for the car to be what we want. If it takes a bit longer to accomplish that goal, then so be it.

    I certainly want you to be happy in your retirement, but I am not the reason that you retired early. You are free to return to work and just tell customers like me that you don't want to service them.

    Richard
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,792
    the second most important investment next to a home.

    Nope. Not an investment at all. Second biggest expense... maybe... if you don't have kids to put through college.

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,792
    edited September 2010
    It's a CAR. A simple means of transportation

    Ya know... no offense... but nobody in the car biz should think this way. I think any salesman should be passionate about what they sell. Its probably appropriate you sold hondas. Although toyotas may have been even more appropriate.

    '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: 53,721
    As someone else mentioned, if the SRX is what you really want, why not give the parameters to your local dealer, and tell them to keep looking until one turns up? Then relax, and have a drink on the patio.

    Eventually the right color combo will turn up, unless you picked something ultra rare, in which case you might have to add a few more choices if you want a car before the end of the decade.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,721
    not in the market at the moment, but the wife would like to get out of the minivan and into something smaller at some point. Some sort of wagon, CUV vehicle, in what I guess is the "mid size" category.

    Of course, there are so many options now that fit the general bill, it will probably take me a while to even put together the list for her to review. Then who knows how long to see them all to put together the short list.

    although I sat in a new Volvo XC70 in the showroom yesterday. now that was a nice, nice car, and probably big enough (at least until the first time we try to travel without the cargo room of the van!). Similar to an Outback, another interesting choice.

    could make the process much easier though. Demand to stay with a manual tranny. That should eliminate, lets see, everything!

    maybe the outback 4 cyl is still available with a stick. That might be it.

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You are correct. Investments pay off; cars and houses do not. Even college educations aren't always investments. If the child doesn't use the degree to his/her advantage, the "investment" money was wasted. I've seen that happen much too often. Example: A friend's son graduated with a BA and an MA. He drives a Bud truck by choice. He could have saved his dad a ton of money.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    As you may recall, we tried the Honda Pilot. We didn't care for it, especially my wife. Also, remember that Toyota was what brought me to this thread three years ago. We refuse to look at any Toyota---even if it were the last car on earth. The Cadillac experience was bad enough, but perhaps I got a one time lemon. The Toyota experience was unforgivable and i'll never give them a penny of my money.

    Thanks for continuing to brainstorm for me. The right car will turn up eventually. I've been very happy with my Explorer, as well as my convertible. My wife and I aren't usually that hard to please. We'll both agree on one I'm sure.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Please don't stop taking your blood pressure meds. My MIL and my aunt both died because they stopped without telling their physicians. Try to get the meds regulated and perhaps that will help. I wish you the best of health.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Dave, I can certainly understand your efforts to make this deal work. If it's what you really want, stick with the effort. It may work out and be well worth it. It is frustrating to be willing to spend your money on a car, and a dealer can't cooperate to make it happen. I've been fortunate with dealers so far, but there are some unpleasant ones out there. I've seen a couple of those myself. Good luck.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Yes, it was an '09 CPO that we were searching to find. I don't really blame the Cadillac dealer. Many of these colors are similar and some dealers call them different names. Bronze and Gold Mist are similar, as well as Camel and Cashmere. As one poster said, we need to check the color codes carefully.

    Richard
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